massage
massage Lexical Profile
massage Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The therapeutic rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body with the hands, especially to relieve tension or pain.
"The physical therapist recommended a weekly massage to ease the chronic stiffness in her shoulders."
• verb
To rub and knead a person or part of the body with the hands to relieve tension or pain.
"He gently massaged his temples while reading through the lengthy legal contract."
To manipulate or alter figures, data, or information in order to give a more favorable or acceptable result.
"The auditors discovered that the department had massaged the quarterly sales figures to meet their targets."
To flatter or stroke someone's ego in order to please or appease them.
"The diplomatic advisor spent the afternoon massaging the bruised egos of the committee members."
• Rhymes for massage
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 19th century from French massage, from masser ('to massage'), likely derived either from Arabic massa ('to touch, feel, or handle') or from Ancient Greek massein ('to knead').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.