Thrall

usgb/θrɔːl/
noun

A slave, servant or person who is completely controlled by someone or something.

He was in thrall to his drug addiction.
Visual representation of "thrall" - A slave, servant or person who is completely controlled by someone or something.

Often appears as...

  • in thrall to
  • held in thrall

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "thrall"
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Control and Freedom

Use 'thrall' to express lack of freedom due to control by others or things, like addictions.

Illustration for Control and Freedom
He spent years in thrall to gambling.
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Archaic Tone

'Thrall' is old-fashioned; it can give a historical or literary feel to your writing or speech.

Illustration for Archaic Tone
The knights were released from their thrall.
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Not for People

Be careful not to use 'thrall' insensitively when referring to actual people who are enslaved.

Illustration for Not for People
His mind was in thrall to the haunting melody.
Visual representation of the word "Thrall"

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