prostitute
UK/'prɒstɪtjuːt/US/'prɒstitju:t/
C2
Definitions
n.
A person who engages in sexual activity for payment
卖淫者，妓女
v.
To put (oneself or one's talents) to an unworthy use for money
出卖（自己或才能），糟蹋
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedpro- (forward, in front) + stitut (from statuere 'to set up, place') = 'to set up out in front, to expose for sale.' Latin prostituere meant placing someone forward for public offer. The verb's broader sense survives: to prostitute your talent is to put it up for sale cheaply. Same statuere as constitute/institute.
Root st still carries 376 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.prostitute oneself出卖自己
- 2.prostitute one's talent糟蹋才能
Example Sentences
- 1.
Many critics felt he had prostituted his artistic talent for money.
- 2.
The charity helps people leave a life as a prostitute.