forced labor

[/fɔːrst ˈleɪbər/]
nounpl: forced labor (uncountable)
trabalho forçado
1. work performed by people against their will under threat of punishment or coercion, typically without fair compensation
The factory was shut down after authorities discovered evidence of forced labor.
A fábrica foi fechada após as autoridades descobrirem evidências de trabalho forçado.
2. compulsory labor imposed by a government or authority as punishment or control
Historical records document the forced labor camps during the war.
Registros históricos documentam os campos de trabalho forçado durante a guerra.
3. exploitation of workers through physical or psychological coercion to perform labor
International organizations work to combat trafficking and forced labor.
Organizações internacionais trabalham para combater o tráfico e o trabalho forçado.
The term 'forced labor' carries significant historical and contemporary weight in both American and Brazilian contexts. In the USA, it references slavery, labor camps, and modern human trafficking. In Brazil, the issue of 'trabalho forçado' (forced labor) remains relevant due to ongoing exploitation in agriculture, construction, and domestic work sectors. International bodies like the ILO actively work against these practices, and awareness campaigns are common in both countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
forced laborinvoluntary servitudelabor traffickingcompulsory laborbonded laborslaverycoerced labor
Antonyms / Antônimos
voluntary workfree laborpaid employmentconsensual work

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
trabalho forçado
Standard term used in legal and human rights contexts
Portugal
trabalho forçado
Same standard term; also 'trabalho compulsório' in legal contexts
Brazil
servidão por dívida / trabalho escravo moderno
Alternative terms emphasizing debt bondage or modern slavery aspects

Related Words

human traffickingexploitationservitudecoercionlabor rightsslavery

Related Idioms & Phrases

put someone to forced labor
escape forced labor
subjected to forced labor
victim of forced labor
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