onanism

American  

[oh-nuh-niz-uhm] / ˈoʊ nəˌnɪz əm /

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.

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onanism British  

/ ˈəʊnəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. another name for masturbation coitus interruptus

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Other Word Forms

• onanist noun
• onanistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of onanism

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

Example Sentences

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

From The Guardian

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

The company has always been defined in part by onanism and self-congratulation, but has managed a certain degree of self-awareness.

From The Verge

Do think about adjacent passengers, who you’ve just invited to imagine your frustrated onanism.

From The Guardian

If we point out that a large percentage of males who practise onanism in their adolescence do not acquire sexual inversion, he will answer that these were not tainted with hereditary disease.

From Project Gutenberg