Pronunciation: /ˈsɜːrfdəm/

Definitions of serfdom

noun a system of labor in which people are bound to work on a particular piece of land and are treated as the property of the landowner

Example Sentences

A1 Serfdom was a system in medieval Europe where peasants worked the land for nobles in exchange for protection.

A2 During the Middle Ages, serfdom was a common practice in many European countries.

B1 The decline of serfdom in Western Europe led to the rise of a new social order.

B2 Serfdom was abolished in Russia in the mid-19th century, freeing millions of peasants from bondage.

C1 The institution of serfdom played a crucial role in shaping the economic and social structure of feudal societies.

C2 The legacy of serfdom can still be seen in some parts of the world where forced labor and exploitation continue to exist.

Examples of serfdom in a Sentence

formal Serfdom was a system of labor in medieval Europe where peasants were bound to work on their lord's land.

informal Back in the day, serfdom meant peasants had to work for the lord without much freedom.

slang Being stuck in serfdom was like being a slave to the landowner.

figurative In modern times, some people feel trapped in a form of serfdom to their jobs, working long hours with little control over their lives.

Grammatical Forms of serfdom

past tense

serfed

plural

serfdoms

comparative

more serfdom

superlative

most serfdom

present tense

serfs

future tense

will serf

perfect tense

have serfed

continuous tense

is serfing

singular

serfdom

positive degree

serfdom

infinitive

to serf

gerund

serfing

participle

serfed

Origin and Evolution of serfdom

First Known Use: 1300 year
Language of Origin: Latin and Old French
Story behind the word: The word 'serfdom' originates from the Latin word 'servus' meaning slave or servant, and the Old French word 'serf' meaning servant.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a type of feudal labor system where peasants were bound to the land they worked on, the term 'serfdom' has evolved to represent any form of forced labor or servitude.