ETYM Latin prostitutio: cf. French prostitution.
Offering sexual intercourse for pay; SYN. harlotry, whoredom.
Receipt of money for sexual acts. Society's attitude toward prostitution varies according to place and period. In some countries, tolerance is combined with licensing of brothels and health checks of the prostitutes (both male and female).
In the us, laws vary from state to state, with Nevada having legalized prostitution. Where it remains illegal, it is often associated with drug abuse, street crime, and exploitation of children, and many communities expend large resources in an effort to control it.