n. & v.
n. 1 a a woman who engages in sexual activity for payment. b (usu. male prostitute) a man or boy who engages in sexual activity, esp. with homosexual men, for payment. 2 a person who debases himself or herself for personal gain.
v.tr. 1 (esp. refl.) make a prostitute of (esp. oneself). 2 a misuse (one's talents, skills, etc.) for money. b offer (oneself, one's honour, etc.) for unworthy ends, esp. for money. prostitution n. prostitutor n.
[ L prostituere prostitut- offer for sale (as PRO-(1), statuere set up, place) ]