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Definition of masturbation

masturbation

/ˌmæstɚˈbeɪʃən/
mas · tur · ba · tion
Plural:masturbations
•
Adjective:masturbatory
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masturbation Lexical Profile

masturbation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The stimulation of one's own or another person's genitals, typically with the hand, for sexual arousal or pleasure.

Example

"Modern medical textbooks discuss masturbation as a normal and harmless aspect of human sexual development."

2

Self-indulgent or purely self-gratifying activity, especially of an intellectual or artistic nature, that serves no wider purpose.

Example

"The critic dismissed the overly complex essay as an exercise in intellectual masturbation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for masturbation

• Rhymes for masturbation

• Nearby Words

mastigure
mastodon
masturbate
masturbation
masturbator
mat
matador

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-18th century from Latin masturbatio, a noun of action derived from the verb masturbari ('to stimulate the genitals'), which is of uncertain ultimate origin.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Masturbation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/masturbation
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