Harlot: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฉโ๐ค
harlot
[ หhษหrlษt ]
historical usage
The term 'harlot' historically refers to a woman who engages in sexual promiscuity, often used in a derogatory manner. It has roots in the medieval period, where it was used to describe a woman of ill repute or a prostitute. The term has evolved over time and can also imply a lack of moral integrity. In literature, it has been associated with characters that challenge societal values around chastity and fidelity. Despite its negative connotations, it sometimes appears in discussions about the empowerment of women in reclaiming the narrative around sexuality.
Synonyms
cad, prostitute, slut, strumpet, whore.
Examples of usage
- In Shakespeare's time, a harlot was often a tragic figure in plays.
- She was branded a harlot by the townspeople for her choices.
- The story explores the life of a harlot in a patriarchal society.
- He painted the harlot as a symbol of rebellion in his artwork.
Translations
Translations of the word "harlot" in other languages:
๐ต๐น prostituta
๐ฎ๐ณ เคตเฅเคถเฅเคฏเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Hure
๐ฎ๐ฉ pelacur
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะพััะธัััะบะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ prostytutka
๐ฏ๐ต ๅฃฒๆฅๅฉฆ
๐ซ๐ท prostituรฉe
๐ช๐ธ prostituta
๐น๐ท prostitรผt
๐ฐ๐ท ๋งค์ถ๋ถ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุนุงูุฑุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ prostitutka
๐ธ๐ฐ prostitutka
๐จ๐ณ ๅฆๅฅณ
๐ธ๐ฎ prostitutka
๐ฎ๐ธ fรณrnarlamb
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะถะตะทำฉะบัะต
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แแกแขแแขแฃแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ fahiลษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ prostituta
Etymology
The word 'harlot' originates from the Old French term 'harlot', which meant 'a man who does not work' or 'a vagabond'. This term was likely derived from the term 'herlot', which had connotations of being a scoundrel or rogue. In its initial usage, it did not specifically refer to women but rather to an idle man. Over time, however, the meaning shifted and became predominantly associated with women, particularly those engaged in sexual acts for money. By the 14th century, 'harlot' became used almost exclusively in the context of women, often implying promiscuity or moral failing. The shift in meaning reflects broader societal attitudes towards women and sexuality during that period, where a woman's worth was tied to her purity and marital status. The term has been used throughout literature, often highlighting the plight of women marginalized by their society, and continues to invoke a complex mix of intrigue and disdain in modern contexts.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #23,979, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
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- 23976 hyperactive
- 23977 bilge
- 23978 originators
- 23979 harlot
- 23980 comforter
- 23981 techno
- 23982 acquainting
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