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masturbation

/mæsɾərˈbeɪʃɪn/
/mɑstəˈbeɪʃən/
IPA guide

Other forms: masturbations

Masturbation is the act of bringing yourself to orgasm. It's sex with yourself, usually by yourself.

In slang, there are hundreds and maybe thousands of vulgar terms for masturbation, almost all of which are inappropriate in most situations. Society's attitude towards masturbation has changed a lot over time. People used to think it was unhealthy, and some religions considered it a sin. Some still consider it wrong, and not everyone wants to talk about it, but most people now understand that masturbation is a harmless part of life.

Definitions of masturbation
  1. noun
    manual stimulation of the genital organs (of yourself or another) for sexual pleasure
    synonyms: onanism
    see moresee less
    types:
    self-abuse
    manual stimulation of your own genital organ for sexual pleasure
    frottage
    masturbation by rubbing against another person (as in a crowd)
    type of:
    autoeroticism, autoerotism
    using you own body as a sexual object
Pronunciation
US
/mæsɾərˈbeɪʃɪn/
UK
/mɑstəˈbeɪʃən/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘masturbation'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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