masturbate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (common in specific contexts, not in general polite conversation)Formal/Technical/Clinical; informal synonyms are more common in casual speech.
Quick answer
What does “masturbate” mean?
To sexually stimulate one's own genitals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To sexually stimulate one's own genitals.
Can be used metaphorically to describe self-indulgent or self-centered activity not related to sex, e.g., intellectual self-stimulation without external engagement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both use the same formal term.
Connotations
In both varieties, it is a formal, clinical, or technical term. It carries a neutral-to-serious tone in appropriate contexts but is generally avoided in polite general conversation.
Frequency
Equally common/rare in formal contexts. Informal synonyms (e.g., wank, jerk off) show more regional variation.
Grammar
How to Use “masturbate” in a Sentence
[SUBJ] masturbate[SUBJ] masturbate [REFL-PRONOUN]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “masturbate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The pamphlet advised teenagers that it is normal to masturbate.
- He was caught masturbating in the public lavatories.
American English
- The sex-ed class discussed whether it's healthy to masturbate.
- She admitted she sometimes masturbates to relieve stress.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Extremely rare and non-standard).
American English
- N/A (Extremely rare and non-standard).
adjective
British English
- Masturbatory practices were discussed in the clinic.
- He had a collection of masturbatory aids.
American English
- The therapist addressed compulsive masturbatory behavior.
- The book described various masturbatory techniques.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in specific fields like psychology, sexology, or biology in a clinical, descriptive manner.
Everyday
Avoided in general polite conversation; considered too direct or clinical. Informal synonyms or euphemisms are more likely in casual speech among friends.
Technical
Standard term in medical, psychological, and sex education texts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “masturbate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “masturbate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “masturbate”
- Incorrectly using it as a transitive verb for another person (e.g., 'He masturbated her' is wrong; it would be 'He stimulated her').
- Using it in overly casual contexts where a euphemism is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not inherently rude, but it is a direct, clinical term. It is often considered inappropriate for polite or casual conversation, where euphemisms are preferred.
Yes, the verb applies to both males and females. It means to stimulate one's own genitals for sexual pleasure, regardless of gender.
The noun form is 'masturbation'. For example, 'The lecture was about the history of masturbation.'
The metaphor criticizes self-indulgent intellectual activity that is done for personal gratification without aiming for practical results or engaging with the real world, paralleling the self-focused nature of the sexual act.
To sexually stimulate one's own genitals.
Masturbate is usually formal/technical/clinical; informal synonyms are more common in casual speech. in register.
Masturbate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmæstəbeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæstərˌbeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] Intellectual masturbation”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MASTER' + 'ATE' – but the master is yourself. (Note: This is a mnemonic aid, not the real etymology.)
Conceptual Metaphor
SEXUAL ACTIVITY IS A SELF-DIRECTED ACTION / INTELLECTUAL SELF-STIMULATION IS MASTURBATION.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most formal/clinical synonym for 'masturbate'?