Sponging-house was a term used in the 19th century to describe a place where people in debt were detained until they paid their creditors. Synonyms for sponging-house include debtors' prison, debtor's sanctuary, and lodging-house for debtors. Other related terms include jail, lockup, and dungeon. These synonyms all refer to places where people who owe money are held until they can repay their debts. Although debtors' prisons no longer exist in many parts of the world, the term sponging-house is still used today to describe a place where someone is taking advantage of others' generosity.