SLAVE DRIVER Meaning and
Definition
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A slave driver is a term used to define an individual or authority figure who brutally and relentlessly forces others to work excessively hard or under harsh conditions, as if they are enslaved. The term commonly refers to a person who rigorously exercises control and authority over a group of individuals, pushing them to their physical and mental limits with no regard for their well-being or basic human necessities.
Historically, a slave driver was often associated with the overseer or plantation owner in the context of chattel slavery. These individuals were responsible for supervising enslaved men, women, and children, and their main objective was to extract maximum labor from them, often employing cruel and degrading methods to enforce discipline and productivity.
Figuratively, the term "slave driver" has also found its way into contemporary language, referring to any oppressive or demanding person who imposes excessive workloads or expectations on others. This could be seen in various professional settings, where a boss or manager might be labeled as a slave driver if they are known for pushing their employees relentlessly or consistently disregarding their work-life balance and welfare.
Overall, a slave driver is someone who exercises merciless control over others, exploiting their labor and disregarding their basic rights, welfare, and dignity.
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One who superintends slaves when at work.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SLAVE DRIVER
- alave driver
- zlave driver
- xlave driver
- dlave driver
- elave driver
- wlave driver
- skave driver
- spave driver
- soave driver
- slzve driver
- slsve driver
- slwve driver
- slqve driver
- slace driver
- slabe driver
- slage driver
- slafe driver
- slavw driver
- slavs driver
Etymology of SLAVE DRIVER
The word "slave driver" originates from the combination of two terms.
The first term, "slave", comes from the Old French word "esclave" which was derived from the Medieval Latin term "Sclavus". This Latin term referred to enslaved people from the Slavic regions of Eastern Europe who were captured and enslaved during the early Middle Ages.
The second term, "driver", originated from the Old English word "drifan", meaning "to drive". Over time, it came to refer to a person who directs or controls the movement of animals or vehicles.
In combination, "slave driver" refers to an individual, historically a person in authority, who would control and force enslaved people to work under harsh conditions, often through coercion or physical punishment. The phrase gained prominence during periods of slavery, particularly in the Americas.
Similar spelling words for SLAVE DRIVER
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