WordGarden.ioprostitute
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /prˈɒstɪtjˌuːt/
US
- /ˈprɑstəˌtut/
Meanings
Noun
a person who provides sexual services for payment
a person accused of sacrificing integrity for money or advantage
Verb
to engage in or offer sexual services for payment
to use one's abilities or principles in a degrading way for gain
Beyond the definition
The word "prostitute" is usually used for a person who has sex with others in exchange for money. It can also be used as a verb, meaning to use oneself, another person, or even a talent in a low or shameful way for money or some other benefit. The word often carries a strong negative tone, so it should be used with care.
In everyday reading, you may also see broader and less judgmental terms such as "sex worker," especially when people are talking about work, law, or social issues. In a figurative sense, "to prostitute oneself" means to give up one's values or dignity for gain, as in someone using their talent only for money.
"Prostitute" is a word most often used for a person who offers sexual services in exchange for money. It can refer to a woman, a man, or any person, though in many texts it has historically been used more often for women. The term is old and widely understood, but it often sounds harsh, judgmental, or stigmatizing in modern English.
The word also works as a verb. In its literal sense, it means to offer sexual services for payment or to cause another person to do so. In its figurative sense, it means to misuse or lower the value of oneself, one's beliefs, or one's abilities for money, power, or some other reward. For example, a writer might say that an artist "prostituted" his talent by using it only to chase profit.
Because the word carries strong social meaning, many people now choose terms like "sex worker" in neutral or professional discussion. Even so, "prostitute" still appears often in history, literature, news reports, and legal writing. To understand it well, it helps to see both sides of its use: the direct meaning about exchanging sex for payment, and the broader figurative meaning about giving up dignity, values, or talent for gain.
Examples
- 1
Sex work
She worked as a prostitute for several years before leaving the city.
- 2
Life stories
The documentary interviewed former prostitutes about how they rebuilt their lives.
- 3
Self-degradation
He felt that going on the reality show would be prostituting himself for fame.
- Patternprostitute yourself for + benefit
do something degrading to get money, fame, or another benefit
- 4
Misused talent
The critic said the singer had prostituted her talent by making ads she did not believe in.
- Patternprostitute + something valuable
use it in a way that feels morally wrong, often for money
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- prostitutenounverb
Forms
- prostitutespluralnounverb
- prostitutedpast tenseverbnoun
- prostituting-ing formverbnoun