Workhouse: meaning, definitions and examples
๐๏ธ
workhouse
[ หwษหrkhaสs ]
historical context
A workhouse is a place where people, often the poor or destitute, were offered accommodation and employment in exchange for work. These establishments were common in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Britain, serving as a means of social welfare. Residents were typically required to perform labor tasks in order to receive basic necessities such as food and shelter.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The workhouse was a refuge for the unemployed.
- Many families were forced to live in the local workhouse.
- Conditions in the workhouse were often harsh and demanding.
Translations
Translations of the word "workhouse" in other languages:
๐ต๐น casa de trabalho
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเคฐเฅเคฏเคถเคพเคฒเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Arbeiterhaus
๐ฎ๐ฉ rumah kerja
๐บ๐ฆ ัะพะฑััะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ dom pracy
๐ฏ๐ต ไฝๆฅญๅ ด
๐ซ๐ท maison de travail
๐ช๐ธ casa de trabajo
๐น๐ท iล evi
๐ฐ๐ท ์์ ์ฅ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุจูุช ุงูุนู ู
๐จ๐ฟ pracovnรญ dลฏm
๐ธ๐ฐ pracovnรฝ dom
๐จ๐ณ ๅทฅๆฟ
๐ธ๐ฎ delavnica
๐ฎ๐ธ vinnuhรบs
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะถาฑะผัั าฏะนั
๐ฌ๐ช แกแแแฃแจแแ แกแแฎแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ iล evi
๐ฒ๐ฝ casa de trabajo
Word origin
The term 'workhouse' originated from the 16th century, reflecting the growing need for social support systems during periods of economic difficulty. The Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 in England institutionalized workhouses, aiming to reduce the cost of poor relief. These institutions were designed to be self-sustaining; inmates were required to work, often in harsh conditions, in exchange for their keep. The workhouse system was controversial, with critics highlighting the inhumane treatment of inmates and the stigma attached to seeking help. The system began to decline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to changing attitudes towards poverty and the implementation of social welfare reforms. The legacy of workhouses remains a significant part of social history, highlighting issues of poverty, labor, and governmental responsibility.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #16,202, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 16199 knitted
- 16200 imperfection
- 16201 recollected
- 16202 workhouse
- 16203 blinking
- 16204 enlighten
- 16205 possessive
- ...