Pronunciation: [bˈɒndɪd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The word "bondage" is spelled with six letters and pronounced /ˈbɑːndɪdʒ/. The word has its roots in Old French "bondage" meaning "serfdom" or "slavery". The spelling of this word does not follow typical English phonetic rules, which can make it challenging to spell correctly. The use of the "o" and "a" in the word is irregular and the silent "e" at the end may also cause confusion for some.
Bondage is a noun that refers to the state of being enslaved or subjected to physical or mental restraint. Derived from the Old English word "bundage," which means to bind or tie, bondage describes a condition where an individual is deprived of their personal freedom and autonomy, typically due to the control or dominion of another person or entity.
In the context of human rights and social justice, bondage pertains to the unlawful subjection of individuals to servitude, captivity, or forced labor. It encompasses various forms of abuse and exploitation, such as human trafficking, slavery, or involuntary servitude. Historically, bondage has been perpetuated through systems of racial, economic, or social inequality, where marginalized groups are disproportionately affected.
Furthermore, bondage can manifest in psychological or emotional terms, involving the restriction or suppression of one's thoughts, beliefs, or desires. This may occur within relationships or societal structures that impose strict control, manipulation, or domination over individuals, denying them the freedom to express themselves authentically.
While often associated with suffering and oppression, the term "bondage" has also been linked to consensual practices within certain adult contexts, such as BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism), where individuals engage in role-playing scenarios involving power dynamics.
Overall, bondage refers to a state of imposed captivity, servitude, or restraint, encapsulating both physical and emotional aspects, and highlighting the fundamental importance of personal freedom and autonomy.
Slavery; imprisonment.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "bondage" originated from the Middle English term "bundage" which can be traced back to the Old English word "bonda", meaning "husbandman" or "householder". This Old English word was derived from the Old Norse word "bóndi", referring to a "freeholder" or "farmer". Over time, the meaning of "bondage" evolved to refer to a state of being enslaved, or bound in servitude, deviating from its original meaning associated with a householder or farmer.
