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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sure, there’s one last bit of Taylor Sheridan self-gratification in the first ten minutes, as everyone gathers around and laughs heartily at one last wacky story from Travis. Vulture Editors, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024 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

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 7 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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