masturbate

[mas-ter-beyt]

verb (used without object)

masturbated, masturbating 

1. to engage in masturbation.

verb (used with object)

masturbated, masturbating 

1. to practice masturbation upon.

masturbate

/ ˈmæstəˌbeɪt /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• masturbator noun
• masturbation 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