prostitution

[pros-ti-too-shuh n, -tyoo-]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR prostitution ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act or practice of engaging in sexual intercourse for money.

base or unworthy use, as of talent or ability.

Origin of prostitution

First recorded in 1545–55, prostitution is from the Late Latin word prōstitūtiōn- (stem of prōstitūtiō). See prostitute, -ion

Related formsan·ti·pros·ti·tu·tion, adjective, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for prostitution

adultery, fornication, harlotry, hustling, whoring

Examples from the Web for prostitution

Contemporary Examples of prostitution

Prostitution is not a crime in Brazil, and has been a recognized occupation since 2002.
Rio de Janeiro’s Termas Centaurus: Justin Bieber’s Alleged Brothel
Culture Team
November 2, 2013
Prostitution opponents cite scientific studies; supporters of legalization find flaws in the data.
‘Borgen’: The Television Show That Could Solve the Government Shutdown
Andrew Romano
October 6, 2013
Prostitution in Italy is not illegal, unless it is with an underage minor.
Ruby the Heart Stealer in Court for Berlusconi Trial
Barbie Latza Nadeau
January 15, 2013
Prostitution is not a crime in Italy unless it is with a minor.
As Berlusconi Returns, Ruby the Heart-Stealer Pops Up in Mexico
Barbie Latza Nadeau
December 11, 2012
Prostitution in Italy is not a crime unless it is with a minor.
Italy: Despite Bunga Bunga Trial, Berlusconi Ponders Run for President
Barbie Latza Nadeau
June 3, 2012

Historical Examples of prostitution

Prostitution is the door of escape freely opened to all women.
The Truth About Woman
C. Gasquoine Hartley
Prostitution, known as the “social evil,” is promiscuous unchastity for gain.
Sex
Henry Stanton
He says: Prostitution of women has existed at all times and among all peoples.
Woman and Socialism
August Bebel
Prostitution in the nineteenth century from the standpoint of police sanitation.
Woman and Socialism
August Bebel
Prostitution is to be combated, not in the houses of ill-fame, but in the family.
The Kreutzer Sonata and Other Stories
Leo Tolstoi

Word Origin and History for prostitution

1530s, from Middle French prostitution and directly from Late Latin prostitutionem (nominative prostitutio), noun of action from past participle stem of prostituere (see prostitute).