onanism

[oh-nuh-niz-uhm]

noun

1. withdrawal of the penis in sexual intercourse so that ejaculation takes place outside the vagina; coitus interruptus.

2. masturbation.

3. the gratification or satisfaction of one's own needs or desires.

   Choosing to endlessly split hairs about abstractions is little better than intellectual onanism.

onanism

/ ˈəʊnəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. another name for masturbation coitus interruptus

Other Word Forms

• onanist noun
• onanistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of onanism¹

First recorded in 1720–30; after Onan, son of Judah (Genesis 38:9); -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of onanism¹

C18: after Onan, son of Judah; see Genesis 38:9

Example Sentences

But while this witless slurry of onanism and conspiracy theories is certainly laughable, it is never, for one second, even remotely funny.

From New York Times

It features onanism, graphic violence, and – here’s the kicker – a woman procreating with a sea creature.

From The Guardian

One sketch describes how, with a towel and rubber glove, a serviceman can fashion a home-made aid to onanism.

From Economist

I was also surprised to discover that the story of Onan isn’t actually about onanism, and that King Solomon, the wisest of all the kings, ended his days turning against God.

From New York Times

As I wrote then: “Cinema has long served as a vehicle for male onanism, a space in which male fantasies about sexual power over women are expressed on screen and enacted behind the camera.”

From New York Times