Definition of the word bondage

The word "bondage" has its roots in Old French, where it was spelled "bondaige". This word was derived from the Latin "bandum", meaning "tie" or "constraint". In Latin, "bandum" was also the source of the word "vinculum", meaning "chain" or "constraint". The concept of bondage referred to the physical and social constraints placed on someone, such as slavery, servitude, or imprisonment. Over time, the spelling and meaning of the word evolved. In Middle English (circa 1100-1500), "bondage" referred specifically to the state of being a slave or servant. The word gained a broader sense of restriction or captivity in the 16th century. Today, "bondage" can refer to any situation where someone is restricted in their freedom, whether physical, emotional, or psychological.