masturbation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "masturbation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it generally when discussing the sexual act of self-pleasuring oneself. Example sentence: John was embarrassed when his parents caught him in the act of masturbation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For example, some have claimed that children who masturbate have "childhood masturbation disorder".

SEP

Mitchell did slip in one masturbation gag – it's a Channel 4 show after all – but Shapps got to plug his commitment to build 150,000 new, affordable homes.

The Guardian

Until this point, most lyrics on the subject of female masturbation have undermined and corrected the illusion that pleasure can't be DIY.

The Guardian - Music

Additionally, the dust finally settling on female masturbation makes room for some gloriously guileful subversion.

The Guardian - Music

Joking that it was an epitaph to be proud of, Marr said that Tsiolkas is the best writer about masturbation in contemporary literature (it figures a lot in Barracuda, including a pivotal scene).

The Guardian - Books

Yet there is an undeniable near-pornographic intensity in many of Schiele's drawings and they clearly acted as a sexual stimulus for him as he also made many self-portrait studies of himself in the act of masturbation.

The Guardian - Arts

In none of these instances is masturbation presented as titillating, prurient or provocative.

The Guardian - Music

In his acclaimed autobiography Full Time, the anxious and less-than-prolific striker Cascarino compared scoring with masturbation: "I've always found sex to be an absolute pleasure, but scoring goals has only ever brought relief".

The Guardian - Sport

In his dissent in Lawrence, Justice Antonin Scalia said the case would mean the legalization of "bigamy, same-sex marriage, adult incest, prostitution, masturbation, adultery, fornication, bestiality and obscenity".

The New York Times

For Jackson, masturbation is a bookmark.

The Guardian - Music

Rania, a doctor, sits in a basement in Cairo operating a helpline for confused teenagers, patiently answering questions about anything from masturbation to whether washing boys' and girls' underwear together can lead to pregnancy.Ms El Feki has talked to experts, pored over statistics and picked through history, gathering a wealth of information.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "masturbation", be mindful of your audience and choose language that is appropriate for the context. Consider using more clinical terms like "self-stimulation" in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid perpetuating the outdated myth that "masturbation" is an immature or abnormal behavior. It is a common and normal part of human sexuality.

Linguistic Context

The word "masturbation" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the act of self-stimulation of the genitals. As Ludwig indicates, it is a usable term in written English, particularly when discussing sexual activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "masturbation" is a noun referring to the act of self-stimulation, generally used to achieve sexual pleasure. As Ludwig indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains. The term's appropriateness depends on the context, with more formal alternatives like "self-stimulation" suitable for certain settings. The word appears "very commonly" across various online sources. It is seen primarily in "News & Media", "Encyclopedias", and "Science" contexts. Understanding the term's evolving social perception and choosing appropriate language ensures clear and respectful communication. It's important to avoid outdated stigmas and misconceptions surrounding "masturbation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-stimulation

More clinical and less emotionally charged term.

self-pleasuring

Focuses on the positive aspect of pleasure.

manual stimulation

Descriptive and neutral, suitable for formal contexts.

onanism

Archaic and somewhat clinical term.

solo sex

Informal and straightforward.

solo sexual activity

A broader term encompassing any sexual activity performed alone.

hand job

More colloquial term, specifically referring to manual stimulation by another person.

jilling off

Slang term, typically used for male masturbation.

beating off

Another slang term, generally used for male masturbation.

fingering

Specific to manual stimulation using fingers.

FAQs

What is another way to say "masturbation"?

You can use terms like "self-stimulation", "self-pleasuring", or "manual stimulation" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "masturbation" a taboo word?

While "masturbation" itself isn't inherently taboo, its appropriateness depends heavily on the context. In medical or scientific discussions, it's perfectly acceptable. In casual conversation, consider your audience and opt for a more discreet term like "self-pleasuring" if needed.

How has the perception of "masturbation" changed over time?

Historically, "masturbation" was often stigmatized due to religious and pseudoscientific beliefs. Today, it's generally recognized as a normal and healthy sexual behavior, although cultural attitudes can still vary.

What's the difference between "masturbation" and "onanism"?

"Masturbation" is the general term for self-stimulation of the genitals. "Onanism" is an older term, derived from a biblical story, that historically carried strong negative connotations and was often used to condemn the practice.