prostitution
prostitution Lexical Profile
prostitution Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone in exchange for payment.
"The parliamentary committee debated the social and public health impacts of decriminalizing prostitution."
The unworthy, corrupt, or debasing use of one's talents, principles, or high office for financial gain or personal advancement.
"Critics viewed the scholar's paid endorsement of the dubious product as a prostitution of his academic integrity."
Word Nuance & Usage
In contemporary sociological, legal, and public health discourse, 'sex work' is often preferred over 'prostitution' when emphasizing labor rights and agency, whereas 'prostitution' remains the standard statutory term in criminal law.
• Rhymes for prostitution
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from Middle French prostitution or directly from Late Latin prostitutio, a noun of action from Latin prostituere ('to expose publicly, offer for sale'), formed from pro- ('before, forth') and statuere ('to cause to stand, set up').