Definition of whore

The word "whore" originates from the Middle English word "hore," which was used to describe a woman who engaged in sex work or extramarital affairs. The etymology of the word can be traced back to the Old English word "hōra," which meant a woman who was sexually promiscuous or impure. The Old English word is believed to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word "haurō," which mean courtesan or prostitute. This word is thought to be related to the Proto-Indo-European word "ekwōr," which meant to excite or inflame. This root is also found in words like "inflame" and "aquiver," which further illuminate the sexual connotations of the original word. The usage of the word "whore" to describe a sexually active woman was reinforced in the religious context of the Middle Ages. The Christian church denounced sexual promiscuity as a sin, and the word "whore" was used to denote a woman who violated the sacred bonds of marriage or religious vows. The pejorative and derogatory connotations of the word "whore" have persisted over time, and it continues to be used in contemporary English as a slur against women who are perceived as sexually immoral or deviant. However, in modern times, women who identify as sex workers and advocate for their rights prefer to be referred to as "sex workers" or "prostitutes" rather than the derogatory term "whore."