onanistic

[ oh-nuh-nis-tik ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or involving masturbation:

   The movie portrays pornography as arousing counterfeit emotions—onanistic pleasure without ultimate satisfaction.

2. characterized by withdrawal of the penis during sexual intercourse, so that ejaculation occurs outside the vagina. coitus interruptus ( def 1 ).
3. serving only for intellectual or emotional self-gratification; unproductive:

   This one-man confessional performance could be either an exercise in onanistic self-regard, or something that exposes its performer for a deeper purpose in which others can participate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of onanistic¹

First recorded in 1840–45; onan(ism) ( def ) + -istic ( def )

Example Sentences

This daily grind of onanistic boosterism can get exhausting.

From New York Times

When Hill’s Owen and Stone’s Annie embark upon a trial version of the process—which is coordinated in large part by Dr. James K. Mantleray, an onanistic scientist played by Justin Theroux—they find themselves trapped in a series of elaborate fantasies while the whole operation gradually melts down.

From Slate

But this month, in the blockbuster Veere Di Wedding and Netflix’s Lust Stories, no fewer than three women are featured in onanistic embrace.

From The Guardian

His manic tour of one man’s onanistic adventures led Jacqueline Susann to comment that “Philip Roth is a good writer, but I wouldn’t want to shake hands with him.”

From Washington Times

His manic tour of one man’s onanistic adventures led Jacqueline Susann to comment that “Philip Roth is a good writer, but I wouldn’t want to shake hands with him.”

From Washington Times