masturbate

verb

mas·​tur·​bate ˈma-stər-ˌbāt How to pronounce masturbate (audio)
masturbated; masturbating

intransitive verb

: to practice masturbation

transitive verb

: to practice masturbation on
masturbator
ˈma-stər-ˌbā-tər How to pronounce masturbate (audio)
noun

Word History

Etymology

Latin masturbatus, past participle of masturbari

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of masturbate was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near masturbate

mast tree

masturbate

masturbation

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Masturbate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masturbate. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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Medical Definition

masturbate

verb
mas·​tur·​bate ˈmas-tər-ˌbāt How to pronounce masturbate (audio)
masturbated; masturbating

intransitive verb

: to practice masturbation

transitive verb

: to practice masturbation on
masturbator
-ˌbāt-ər How to pronounce masturbate (audio)
noun
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