masturbation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal to formal medical/clinical
Quick answer
What does “masturbation” mean?
The act of sexually stimulating one's own genitals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of sexually stimulating one's own genitals.
Used metaphorically to describe excessive self-indulgence or self-centered activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; 'wanking' is more common British slang equivalent.
Connotations
Similar across both varieties: can be neutral (medical), informal, or taboo depending on context.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “masturbation” in a Sentence
engage in masturbationpractice masturbationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “masturbation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was masturbating in the privacy of his own room.
- Teenagers often masturbate to explore their sexuality.
American English
- She masturbates regularly as part of her sexual health routine.
- The book discusses why people masturbate.
adverb
British English
- He touched himself masturbatorily.
- (Rare usage)
American English
- (Rare usage; typically paraphrased)
adjective
British English
- Masturbatory fantasies are common.
- He had a masturbation habit.
American English
- Masturbatory practices vary widely.
- The masturbation frequency was recorded.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries (sex toys, health).
Academic
Common in psychology, medicine, gender studies.
Everyday
Informal conversations among adults; often euphemized.
Technical
Standard term in sexology and clinical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “masturbation”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “masturbation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “masturbation”
- Misspelling as 'masterbation'.
- Using in overly formal contexts where euphemism is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, mainstream medical science considers it a normal and healthy sexual activity with no physical harms.
'Autoeroticism' is a broader term covering all self-directed sexual arousal, of which masturbation (physical self-stimulation) is the most common form.
It is a standard, clinical term. In informal settings, it can be direct but is not inherently vulgar like many slang synonyms. Context and audience matter.
The verb form is 'to masturbate'. Using 'masturbation' as a verb (e.g., 'he masturbationed') is grammatically incorrect.
The act of sexually stimulating one's own genitals.
Masturbation is usually informal to formal medical/clinical in register.
Masturbation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmæstəˈbeɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmæstərˈbeɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “intellectual masturbation (derogatory: overthinking without practical result)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MASTer of your own urBATION - controlling self-stimulation.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF AS SEXUAL PARTNER
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is a metaphorical extension of 'masturbation'?