Whorehouse: meaning, definitions and examples
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whorehouse
[ ˈhwɔːrˌhaʊs ]
place, adult services
A whorehouse is a colloquial term for a brothel, a place where individuals can engage in sexual activities for payment. Such establishments often cater to various clientele and can operate legally or illegally, depending on the jurisdiction. The word carries a strong stigma and reflections of moral and social attitudes toward prostitution. These locations may vary in ambiance, from high-end establishments to more run-down venues. The term can also imply a lack of regard for the residents' well-being, indicating a focus solely on profit.
Synonyms
brothel, house of ill repute, red-light district.
Examples of usage
- The whorehouse was known for its discreet services.
- He stumbled upon a whorehouse while exploring the city.
- The locals often warned newcomers about the dangers of the whorehouse.
- She worked in a whorehouse to support her family.
- Whorehouses have been part of human history for centuries.
Translations
Translations of the word "whorehouse" in other languages:
🇵🇹 casa de prostituição
🇮🇳 वेश्यालय
🇩🇪 Bordell
🇮🇩 rumah bordil
🇺🇦 будинок розпусти
🇵🇱 burdel
🇯🇵 売春宿
🇫🇷 maison close
🇪🇸 burdel
🇹🇷 genelev
🇰🇷 유흥업소
🇸🇦 بيت دعارة
🇨🇿 prostitutka
🇸🇰 prostitúcia
🇨🇳 妓院
🇸🇮 bordel
🇮🇸 kvennhús
🇰🇿 проституткалар үйі
🇬🇪 პოზიციას
🇦🇿 prostitutka
🇲🇽 burdel
Etymology
The term 'whorehouse' combines 'whore,' which has roots in Old English 'hōre' (meaning 'prostitute'), with 'house,' indicating a physical location. The concept of establishments where sex is exchanged for money has existed throughout history, often facing varying degrees of social acceptance and legal status. In many cultures, such locations have been both shunned and revered, indicating their complex role in society. The Oxford English Dictionary records the first use of 'whorehouse' in the 19th century, during a time when prostitution was increasingly becoming a topic of public concern and regulation in many Western societies. The term reflects the complicated relationship between sexual commerce, morality, and the law. Over time, the perception of whorehouses has shifted, and they are often viewed through the lens of feminism and human rights discussions today, focusing on the health and safety of sex workers.