masturbate

[ mas-ter-beyt ]

verb (used without object)

, mas·tur·bat·ed, mas·tur·bat·ing.

1. to engage in masturbation.

verb (used with object)

, mas·tur·bat·ed, mas·tur·bat·ing.

1. to practice masturbation upon.

masturbate

/ ˈmæstəˌbeɪt /

verb

1. to stimulate the genital organs of (oneself or another) to achieve sexual pleasure

Derived Forms

• ˌmasturˈbation, noun
• ˈmasturˌbator, noun

Other Words From

• mastur·bator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of masturbate¹

1855–60; < Latin masturbātus, past participle of masturbārī to engage in masturbation

Word History and Origins

Origin of masturbate¹

C19: from Latin masturbārī, of unknown origin; formerly thought to be derived from manus hand + stuprāre to defile