Poorhouse: meaning, definitions and examples
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poorhouse
[ ˈpʊəhaʊs ]
social history
A poorhouse is a government institution where people without financial resources are provided with shelter and basic needs. Historically, poorhouses served as a means of social welfare, allowing the impoverished to receive assistance and support during tough times.
Synonyms
almshouse, charity house, workhouse
Examples of usage
- Many families had to rely on the poorhouse during the economic downturn.
- The local poorhouse was often overwhelmed with individuals seeking aid.
- In the 19th century, poorhouses were common in many cities across the country.
Translations
Translations of the word "poorhouse" in other languages:
🇵🇹 casa de pobres
🇮🇳 गरीबी घर
🇩🇪 Armutshaus
🇮🇩 rumah miskin
🇺🇦 будинок для бідних
🇵🇱 dom ubogich
🇯🇵 貧民宿
🇫🇷 maison de pauvres
🇪🇸 casa de pobres
🇹🇷 yoksul evi
🇰🇷 빈민 집
🇸🇦 دار الفقراء
🇨🇿 chudobinec
🇸🇰 chudobinec
🇨🇳 贫民之家
🇸🇮 hiša reve
🇮🇸 fátækrahús
🇰🇿 кедейлер үйі
🇬🇪 ღარიბების სახლი
🇦🇿 kasıb evi
🇲🇽 casa de pobres
Etymology
The term 'poorhouse' originates from the combination of 'poor,' referring to individuals lacking financial means, and 'house,' which implies a shelter or dwelling. The concept of poorhouses emerged during the 16th century in England, amid changes in social policy and attitudes towards the impoverished. Initially, these institutions aimed to provide shelter and basic resources to the destitute, contrasting earlier practices where the poor were often left to fend for themselves or relied on charity. Over time, poorhouses became associated with stigmatization, reflecting societal views on poverty. By the 19th century, poorhouses had evolved into a formal system of social assistance in many Western countries, serving those in need but often criticized for harsh conditions and lack of opportunities for residents to improve their circumstances. Today, the term is less commonly used, replaced by modern concepts of social welfare and public assistance.