'prostitute' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'prostituere,' where 'pro-' meant 'in front of' and 'statuere' meant 'to set up.'

'prostituere' transformed into the French word 'prostituer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'prostitute' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to expose publicly,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'engaging in sexual activity for payment.'