onanism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "onanism" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to the act of masturbation and can be used in discussions about sexual health or behavior. Example: "The topic of onanism is often considered taboo, yet it is a natural part of human sexuality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Onan, it turns out, was guilty not of onanism but, more likely, of prudent coitus interruptus with his brother's widow.

The New Yorker

We learn that to describe it as onanism is to misread Genesis.

The Economist

But progressive policy development without communications is sterile political onanism.

Independent

Alone afterward, in the cell with the washstand, the priest — though you couldn't actually see this — was committing the sin of onanism when the nun reappeared before him in all her resplendent earthly beauty, dressed only in her wimple, with a golden crucifix dangling from a chain between her exquisite breasts.

The New Yorker

Bloom tells us that the pleasures this kid derives from his pop-cultural distractions are anything but innocent: "A pubescent child whose body throbs with orgasmic rhythms; whose feelings are made articulate in hymns to the joys of onanism or the killing of parents; whose ambition is to win fame and wealth in imitating the drag-queen who makes the music.

The New Yorker

"In a sick woman, the device restores balance, but in a healthy woman it makes you excitable and perhaps even causes some perverse kind of onanism".

The New Yorker

Ben's tale is an epic account of the battles of his penis, a sort of Iliad of onanism.

The New Yorker

Shawn's play does for onanism what Rabelais did for drink.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It now includes an anti-onanism device from Paris in the 1890s, a life-size sex doll and a large cache of magazines, videos and stiletto pumps signed by strippers.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm therefore looking forward to Prior's 90, Johnson's six wickets, and some inventive onanism-related commentary from the assembled crowd.

The Guardian - Sport

Upstairs, Rivera showed off a trove of carnal doodads, including a pharmacist's condom cabinet, a bicycle-powered dildo, and a Victorian "anti-onanism device" made of stiffened leather.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "onanism", consider your audience and the context. While the term is technically correct, "masturbation" or "self-stimulation" may be more appropriate in some settings due to the historical negative connotations of "onanism".

Common error

Avoid using "onanism" solely to refer to masturbation without understanding its original biblical context, which actually describes coitus interruptus. This misunderstanding can lead to misinterpretations of the term's historical and religious significance.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "onanism" is as a noun. As seen in Ludwig examples, it functions as a subject or object of a sentence when discussing the act of masturbation or historical views on the practice. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

17%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

16%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "onanism" is a noun referring to masturbation or, historically, coitus interruptus. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable, although the term carries a formal register. It frequently appears in News & Media sources, with less frequent usage in Encyclopedias, Formal & Business and Science contexts. While technically accurate, "masturbation" or "self-stimulation" are often preferred due to the historical and potentially negative connotations associated with "onanism". It's crucial to understand its origin and context to avoid misuse, particularly regarding its biblical interpretation. When writing, choose the most appropriate synonym based on your audience and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Masturbation

This is a direct synonym, referring to the act of self-stimulation for sexual pleasure.

Self-stimulation

This is a more clinical and neutral term for the same activity.

Autoeroticism

This is a more formal and psychological term for sexual self-stimulation.

Self-gratification

This term focuses on the pleasure aspect of the activity.

Solitary sexual activity

This is a descriptive phrase that avoids direct reference to the act itself.

Self-abuse

This term is outdated and carries negative connotations, often used in historical contexts.

Playing with oneself

This is a colloquial and somewhat euphemistic expression.

Hand practice

This is an older, somewhat veiled term for masturbation.

The sin of Onan

This refers to the biblical interpretation, often used in religious contexts, though it misinterprets the original text.

Coitus interruptus

This refers to withdrawal before ejaculation, a related but distinct concept often associated with the biblical story of Onan.

FAQs

What is the definition of "onanism"?

The term "onanism" refers to masturbation or, historically, to coitus interruptus (withdrawal before ejaculation).

What can I say instead of "onanism"?

You can use alternatives like "masturbation", "self-stimulation", or, in specific historical contexts, "coitus interruptus".

Is "onanism" a formal or informal term?

"Onanism" is a relatively formal term. "Masturbation" or "self-pleasure" might be more appropriate in informal contexts.

What is the origin of the word "onanism"?

The term "onanism" comes from the biblical figure Onan, who spilled his seed on the ground rather than impregnate his brother's widow. The term was historically used to refer to various forms of non-procreative sexual activity, but is now primarily used to mean masturbation.