prostitution

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

/ ˌprɒs tɪˈtu ʃən, -ˈtyu- /

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.

Nearby words

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

Examples from the Web for 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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST

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|DAILY BEAST
To the numerous unhappy females in the Metropolis who live by Prostitution, this observation peculiarly applies.
A Treatise on the Police of the Metropolis|Patrick Colquhoun
Prostitution is not an easy or agreeable subject to treat; it will be disposed of, therefore, in the fewest words possible.
Twentieth Century Socialism|Edmond Kelly
Prostitution, everywhere hateful, is at least less intolerable when it is free.
Satan's Invisible World Displayed or, Despairing Democracy|W. T. Stead
Prostitution, so rare in most Mussulman lands, will extend its ravages.
The Life of Mohammad|Etienne Dinet
Prostitution was in fact legally domiciled in Juda at a very early period, and never lost the foothold it had gained.
The History of Prostitution|William W. Sanger

Word Origin and History for prostitution

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).

prostitution

noun

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Origin of prostitution

Examples from the Web for prostitution

prostitution