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Workhouse: meaning, definitions and examples

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workhouse

 

[ หˆwษœหrkhaสŠs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

almshouse, asylum, poorhouse

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น casa de trabalho

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคพเคฐเฅเคฏเคถเคพเคฒเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Arbeiterhaus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ rumah kerja

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะพะฑั–ั‚ะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dom pracy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไฝœๆฅญๅ ด

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท maison de travail

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ casa de trabajo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท iลŸ evi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ž‘์—…์žฅ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจูŠุช ุงู„ุนู…ู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pracovnรญ dลฏm

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ pracovnรฝ dom

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅทฅๆˆฟ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ delavnica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ vinnuhรบs

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถาฑะผั‹ั าฏะนั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒแƒ›แƒฃแƒจแƒแƒ แƒกแƒแƒฎแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ iลŸ evi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ casa de trabajo

Etymology

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.