thraldom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thraldom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a state of servitude or bondage, often in a historical or literary context. Example: "The novel explores the theme of thraldom, depicting the struggles of those trapped in a life of servitude."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But the trade and co-operation agreement that the EU is offering as an incentive also requires Iran to go through economic hoops, and here its would-be reforming president, Muhammad Khatami, is doing rather better.Iran's economic liberalisation has been long delayed by fears that this would lead to renewed thraldom to the foreign powers that dominated the country for most of the 20th century.

The Economist

This one has no hesitation in marking down Wilson as the villain of the piece: a paranoid buck-passer on this evidence, whose thraldom at the hands of the sinister Marcia became so great that his doctor seriously suggested to other members of the prime ministerial entourage that she should be quietly done away with.

Independent

It crept into "Paradise Lost," where Satan's shield looks like the moon seen through Galileo's telescope, and in Milton's great defense of free speech, "Areopagitica," Milton recalls his visit to Galileo and warns that England will buckle under inquisitorial forces if it bows to censorship, "an undeserved thraldom upon learning".

The New Yorker

To reduce the argument to its most basic level, thraldom at the hands of the Means Test and the Public Assistance Committee was about to give way to thraldom at the hands of mass entertainment.

The Guardian - Books

And it's what The Habit of Art is almost entirely about, since it strips Auden of the grandeur and nobility the actor impersonating him craves and shows Britten to exist in a state of nervous thraldom to the bullying poet.

The Guardian

Is Midnight in Paris therefore a satire on the US's thraldom to Pseudsville-on-Seine? Gil is gently mocked for doting on his surroundings; his fiancee's know-all friend Paul is derided for his obsession with Parisian lore.

The Guardian - Film

The USA is often disdained in Britain for its supposed thraldom to political correctness.

The Guardian - Film

Thus, when their nephew returns from the bitter thraldom of the draper's shop for his first holiday and enquires about the fate of the Pornick family, whose daughter Ann he secretly loves, it is to be told that "She's gone as help to Ashford".

The Guardian - Books

There is hope – I hope – that Corbyn's election finally signals a desire in this country to turn our backs on the sharp-suited politics of swagger, greed, pomposity, deceit and thraldom to money, hierarchy and privilege.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The author writes about childbirth and mother-thraldom and Catholicism, and sometimes several of these themes at once, with a kind of raging, and occasionally black, gleefulness.The truly sad fact is that, although this is only her second book of poems, Ms Molloy's great talent was snuffed out by cancer before even the first of her two books, "Hare Soup", was published in 2004.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thraldom" to convey a sense of historical or literary servitude, especially when referring to economic or ideological domination. It adds a layer of depth and gravity to the concept of being bound.

Common error

While "thraldom" is technically correct, its archaic tone might sound affected in everyday speech. Opt for words like "dependence" or "subjection" unless you're deliberately aiming for a formal or historical feel.

Linguistic Context

The word "thraldom" functions primarily as a noun. Ludwig AI confirms it describes a state of being enslaved or in bondage, both physically and metaphorically, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thraldom" is a grammatically sound noun denoting a state of enslavement or bondage, often used in formal or literary contexts. While Ludwig confirms its validity, it's less common in everyday language, where simpler alternatives like "servitude" or "bondage" might be preferred. Its usage is mostly found in news and media, reflecting historical or ideological domination. When considering related phrases, be aware of subtle differences in meaning, ranging from literal physical restraint (captivity) to more abstract forms of control (oppression). When writing, remember that while "thraldom" is correct, it may sound affected if a more modern word is available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

servitude

Indicates a state of being a servant or slave, highlighting the lack of autonomy.

bondage

Emphasizes the state of being bound or restrained, often physically or metaphorically.

slavery

Refers to the condition of being owned by another person, emphasizing the complete lack of freedom.

enslavement

Focuses on the process of being made a slave.

captivity

Implies being held against one's will, often in a literal, physical sense.

subjugation

Highlights the act of bringing someone or something under control, emphasizing dominance.

oppression

Stresses the unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power.

subservience

Highlights the act of being subordinate or compliant.

yoke

Metaphorically suggests a burden or something that restrains or oppresses.

dependence

Emphasizes reliance on someone or something else, implying a lack of independence.

FAQs

How can I use "thraldom" in a sentence?

"Thraldom" typically refers to a state of enslavement or bondage. For example: "The country feared economic "thraldom" to foreign powers."

What are some alternatives to "thraldom"?

Alternatives to "thraldom" include "servitude", "bondage", "slavery", or "subjugation" depending on the specific context.

Is "thraldom" a commonly used word?

While grammatically correct, "thraldom" is not as frequently used as its synonyms. It often appears in historical or literary contexts. Its usage might sound overly formal in casual conversations.

What is the difference between "thraldom" and "servitude"?

Both "thraldom" and "servitude" refer to a state of being under the control of another, but "thraldom" often implies a more complete or historical form of enslavement, while "servitude" can also refer to a more general state of service.