Langimage
English

brothel

|broth/el|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˈbrɑːθəl/

🇬🇧

/ˈbrɒθəl/

house of prostitution

Etymology
Etymology Information

'brothel' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'brothel,' where 'brothen' meant 'to decay or go to ruin.'

Historical Evolution

'brothel' changed from the Middle English word 'brothel' and eventually became the modern English word 'brothel.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a person who is morally corrupt,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a house of prostitution.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a house where people pay to have sexual intercourse with prostitutes.

The police raided the brothel last night.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/21 21:06