poorhouse Definition
a publicly maintained facility for the support and housing of dependent or destitute persons.
Using poorhouse: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "poorhouse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
During the Great Depression, many people were forced to live in poorhouses.
Example
The poorhouse was often the only option for those who had nowhere else to go.
poorhouse Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with poorhouse
Example
If we don't start saving money, we'll end up sending ourselves to the poorhouse.
a phrase used to describe a dramatic improvement in one's financial situation
Example
After years of struggling financially, she went from the poorhouse to the penthouse when her business took off.
a politician who claims to represent the interests of the poor but is actually corrupt or ineffective
Example
Many people are disillusioned with politicians who claim to care about the poor but do nothing to help them. They call them 'poorhouse politicians.'
Summary: poorhouse in Brief
'Poorhouse' [poor-hous] refers to a publicly maintained facility that provides support and housing for dependent or destitute persons. It is often the only option for those who have nowhere else to go, as seen during the Great Depression. The phrase 'send someone to the poorhouse' means to cause someone to become impoverished, while 'from the poorhouse to the penthouse' describes a dramatic improvement in one's financial situation.
