What does masturbate mean?
To masturbate means to stimulate one's own genitals for sexual pleasure, usually with the intention of reaching orgasm. The term is standard in medical, psychological, and sexological contexts, where it is used neutrally and factually, but it is also widely used in explicit personal and informal speech. It may be used transitively, as in “He masturbated his penis,” or intransitively, as in “She masturbates regularly,” although the latter construction is the more common general pattern. Discussion of masturbation occurs in health education, discussions of sexual development, and research concerning sexual behavior. In everyday conversation, the word can sound blunt or clinical, while less explicit expressions may be preferred. Despite its straightforward modern meaning, the word derives from Latin, where its older senses and ultimate origins have been subjects of linguistic debate.
verbTo engage in self-stimulation for sexual pleasure, typically with the aim of reaching orgasm.
- To engage in self-stimulation for sexual pleasure, usually to reach orgasm.
"He masturbated before going to sleep."
"She masturbated while listening to music."
"The clinical manual describes how adolescents may masturbate in private."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does masturbate come from?
The English verb comes from Latin masturbari, meaning “to masturbate.” The ultimate origin of the Latin word is uncertain, although proposals connecting it with other ancient words have not established a secure consensus. English adopted the term in the 16th century, and forms such as masturbation and masturbator subsequently developed from the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How masturbate is actually used
The word is explicit and clinical in tone. It appears in medical, educational, and sexological writing as well as in frank personal or informal usage. British and American usage is essentially the same.