BDSM Institute

Words - bondage

Explanation of bondage

Explanation of the term bondage in BDSM

Bondage originally means slavery or serfdom but is most commonly used in BDSM to designate the practice of tying someone up.

Bondage can be performed using ropes, cuffs, chains, stocks, scarves, ties, cords or basically anything that can be tied or somehow fixate limbs. Often also deprivation of speech with various gags and deprivation of other senses, mainly using blindfolds but also e.g. earplugs. The motivation to indulge in bondage may be the physical stimuli pressure and rubbing from the bondage material may give, the sensation of the "imposed" position, the visual appearance, sexual variation, the thrill, creating an impression and a feeling of helplessness, inability to fend of other types of stimuli or torment, emphasizing dominance or submission, show trust, or various combinations thereof.