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Harlot: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸŽค
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harlot

 

[ หˆhษ‘หrlษ™t ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น prostituta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเฅ‡เคถเฅเคฏเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Hure

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pelacur

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะพัั‚ะธั‚ัƒั‚ะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ prostytutka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฃฒๆ˜ฅๅฉฆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท prostituรฉe

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ prostituta

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท prostitรผt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋งค์ถ˜๋ถ€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนุงู‡ุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ prostitutka

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ prostitutka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฆ“ๅฅณ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ prostitutka

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fรณrnarlamb

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะตะทำฉะบัˆะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒ แƒแƒกแƒขแƒ˜แƒขแƒฃแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ fahiลŸษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.