Brothel is a term that is often associated with prostitution. It is a place where people can pay for sexual services. While prostitution is illegal in many countries, brothels are still present in some parts of the world. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of brothel, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
A brothel is a place where people can pay for sexual services. It is often a building or a house where sex workers operate. Brothels can be legal or illegal depending on the country or state. In some places, brothels are regulated and monitored by the government, while in others, they are completely illegal.
Origin
The word brothel comes from the Old English word “breothan” which means to go to ruin or decay. The word was first used in the 16th century to describe a place where people went to engage in sexual activities. Brothels have been around for centuries and have been a part of many cultures throughout history.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a brothel is “a house or other place where men pay to have sexual intercourse with prostitutes.” Merriam-Webster defines a brothel as “a house of prostitution.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a place where people pay to have sex with prostitutes.”
Associations
Brothels are often associated with illegal activities and exploitation. Many people view them as places where women are forced into prostitution and are not given the opportunity to leave. However, there are also people who argue that brothels can be a safer alternative to street prostitution, as they provide a controlled environment for sex workers.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for brothel include whorehouse, bordello, house of ill repute, and red-light district.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for brothel, but some words that could be considered the opposite include purity, chastity, and celibacy.
The same root words
The word brothel comes from the Old English word “breothan,” which means to go to ruin or decay. Other words that share the same root include broth, which is a type of soup made from meat and vegetables, and brothel-house, which is an old-fashioned term for a brothel.
Example Sentences
- The police raided the brothel and arrested several sex workers and clients.
- She worked in a brothel to support her family.
- The city council is considering legalizing brothels in order to regulate the sex industry.
- He was caught soliciting a prostitute at a local brothel.
- The brothel was shut down by the authorities after complaints from residents in the area.