奴
slave; ancient female self-reference; enslave
Meanings
3 senses · 15 examplesnoun
slave; person without freedom
literaryHistorical term referring to people without freedom or political rights who were oppressed and exploited, opposite of 'master'.
In the old society, many poor people were forced to become slaves.
The slave owner treated his slaves cruelly.
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This story tells of a slave's struggle for freedom.
There was a severe slave system in ancient society.
Serfs lived miserable lives under the feudal system.
pronoun
I (female self-reference in early vernacular)
archaicHistorical first-person pronoun used by young women in early vernacular literature.
This one (female) offers her greetings.
I didn't mean to offend, please forgive me, young master.
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This is my private collection, specially given to you today.
My family has lived here for a hundred years.
Although I am a woman, I also understand loyalty and righteousness.
verb
to enslave; to treat like a slave
literaryTo treat someone in a cruel and oppressive manner, like a slave.
They cruelly enslaved the local people.
The invaders tried to enslave the people of this country.
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The era when feudal landlords enslaved farmers is gone forever.
We must never allow anyone to enslave others.
This system is essentially enslaving the workers.