thrall

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "thrall" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to a state of slavery or captivity, and it can also describe a person who is strongly influenced by another. Example: She was in thrall to her manipulative husband.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Curtis was Sidney Falco, an unprincipled press agent in thrall to (and fear of) the man who could make him king of the jungle, and willing to sell his pride and soul for the title.

The Guardian - Film

I became his noble valet, reduced to even greater humiliations, and even now I am reduced to verbal automatism in thrall to his deity.

The Guardian - Books

We've now created a society so in thrall to material success that it feels fair to many that if you've made it you deserve more power, more say.

The Guardian

There was just a litany of the lobbies to which Cameron has come to be increasingly in thrall: the publicists for the crazy HS2 and other vanity projects such as the Manchester science centre, the Swansea barrage and the continuing Olympics "legacy".

The Guardian - Opinion

Are the Hugo awards in thrall to a politically correct cabal, or simply making an effort to remedy an ingrained injustice?

The Guardian - Opinion

Some leaders' anti-gay language has a conspiratorial tone that feels borrowed from the anti-Semitic diatribes of another time: gay people are portrayed as in thrall to alien values and particularly dangerous to children.

The Economist

In its case, it has turned phone-owners into micro-entrepreneurs.NGOs and not-for-profit organisations are often more familiar with poorer markets than quoted companies that are in thrall to the short-term perspectives of stockmarkets.

The Economist

Critics say that it was designed to create a parliament in thrall to the president, who continues to rule unchecked.

The Economist

The Labour complainers fear that the souls of "ordinary aspiring people", as they now call the old Mirror-reading British working class, may soon be in thrall to the propaganda of unbridled Murdochian capitalism.A natural enough worry.

The Economist

The head of one family think-tank whispers that in its first year the government was still in thrall to "metropolitan, liberal, feminist discourse", epitomised by Harriet Harman, the sacked social-security secretary.

The Economist

Instead of being in thrall to the government of the day, RAI offered contrasting viewpoints.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thrall" to denote a state of complete subjugation or being heavily influenced, often in contexts where freedom or autonomy is compromised. It adds a strong sense of captivity, be it literal or figurative.

Common error

Avoid using "thrall" when describing mere influence or persuasion. "Thrall" implies a loss of control, not just a change in opinion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "thrall" is as a noun, denoting a state of enslavement or complete subjugation. As Ludwig AI notes, it often implies a loss of autonomy or control. Examples show its use in describing political, emotional, and ideological dominance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thrall" is a term denoting a state of being enslaved or completely controlled by someone or something, often implying a loss of autonomy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While "thrall" can be used in neutral to formal settings, it is important to avoid using it when describing mere influence. Alternative phrases, such as "under the control of" or "in the grip of", can provide similar meanings depending on the specific context. Understanding these nuances will help writers employ "thrall" accurately and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under someone's control

Emphasizes the state of being governed or directed by another person.

in someone's power

Highlights the dominance and ability of one entity to dictate the actions of another.

subject to

Indicates a state of being affected or influenced by something.

beholden to

Stresses a sense of obligation or indebtedness.

at the mercy of

Implies a vulnerable position where one is dependent on the compassion or whims of another.

under the spell of

Suggests a captivating or enchanting influence that controls one's actions.

captive to

Denotes a state of imprisonment or confinement, whether physical or metaphorical.

enslaved by

Highlights a condition of servitude or bondage, often against one's will.

dominated by

Indicates a situation where one entity exerts significant control over another.

controlled by

Focuses on the aspect of being managed or directed by an external force.

FAQs

How can I use "thrall" in a sentence?

You can use "thrall" to describe someone or something under the complete control of another, as in, "The nation was in "thrall" to the dictator's regime."

What's a good alternative to using "thrall"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "thrall" include "under the control of", "in the grip of", or "subject to".

Is it correct to say someone is "in thrall with" something?

No, the correct phrasing is "in "thrall to"". The preposition "to" is necessary to properly convey the relationship of subjugation.

What is the difference between "thrall" and "influence"?

"Thrall" implies a state of being completely dominated or controlled, whereas "influence" suggests a more subtle and less absolute effect. One can be influenced without losing autonomy, but being in "thrall" suggests a loss of free will.