self-gratification

noun

self-grat·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌself-ˌgra-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce self-gratification (audio)
: the act of pleasing oneself or of satisfying one's desires
especially : the satisfying of one's own sexual urges

Examples of self-gratification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Indeed, liberal societies have often encouraged the aimless pursuit of material self-gratification. Francis Fukuyama, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2022 The acts in general thought about a little more than self-gratification and social media affirmation. Spin Staff, Spin, 5 Sep. 2023 The vote Wednesday was a monumental exercise in political self-gratification. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2023 Witnessing the birth of communal merriment is a singular pleasure, especially considering how many groups are over a century deep into their self-gratification. al, 17 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-gratification.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-gratification was in 1663

Dictionary Entries Near self-gratification

Cite this Entry

“Self-gratification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-gratification. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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