The word "thrall" has an interesting spelling that can be a bit tricky for English learners. It is spelled with a "th" at the beginning, which makes the "th" sound, followed by an "r" and two "l's". The IPA phonetic transcription for "thrall" is /θrɔːl/. The "θ" represents the "th" sound, while the "r" and "l" sounds are represented by their respective letters. This word means being under someone's control, and it is often used to describe someone being enslaved or in servitude.
Thrall refers to a state of being under the complete control, dominance, or influence of someone or something. It typically denotes a position of servitude, bondage, or subjugation. In this context, an individual is completely subjected to the will or authority of another, having little or no autonomy or freedom. Thrall can pertain to physical, psychological, or emotional captivity, where one's actions, thoughts, or emotions are ruled by an external force.
The term "thrall" has historical connotations, originating from Old Norse and Old English, where it referred specifically to a slave or servant. Over time, its meaning has expanded to encompass various forms of subjection beyond literal servitude, extending to concepts such as addiction, obsession, or devotion.
In a figurative sense, being in thrall implies being unconditionally captivated, enamored, or obsessed with someone or something. This can be observed in instances where individuals are deeply influenced by an idea, a belief, or a charismatic personality, willingly surrendering their independence or critical thinking.
Ultimately, thrall represents a state of complete control, captivity, or devotion to an external entity, whether it be a person, an idea, a substance, or a circumstance. Its definition conveys the loss of individual agency or the relinquishment of personal freedom, highlighting the power dynamics involved in such situations.
• To enslave.
• A slave; a bondsman; slavery; bondage.
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 "thrall" has its roots in Old English, specifically from the Old English noun "þrǣl" or "þrǣll" which meant a slave or servant. This term is believed to have come from Old Norse, where the word "þræll" had a similar meaning of a serf or bondman. Both the Old English and Old Norse forms of the word are ultimately believed to derive from the Proto-Germanic word "*þragilaz" which denoted a "runner" or someone fit for labor. The term "thrall" came into Middle English and eventually became synonymous with being under the control or dominance of another person. Today, the word is often used metaphorically to describe a state of being controlled or enslaved by something.