masterbate
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for masterbate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — A common misspelling of masturbate, meaning to stimulate one's own genitals for sexual pleasure, usually to orgasm. The correct spelling has no r in the first syllable: mas-tur-bate.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
A common misspelling of masturbate, meaning to stimulate one's own genitals for sexual pleasure, usually to orgasm. The correct spelling has no r in the first syllable: mas-tur-bate.
“The correct spelling is masturbate, not masterbate.”
2. verb
To stimulate the genitals of oneself or another person by hand for sexual pleasure.
“Masturbation is a normal part of sexual development in adolescence.”
How to use masterbate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Masterbate is a misspelling and should not be used in writing. The correct forms are masturbate (verb), masturbation (noun) and masturbatory (adjective).
Etymology
Masturbate comes from Latin masturbari, of uncertain formation; the traditional analysis links it to manus, hand, though this is not settled. The variant masterbate is not a separate word but a spelling influenced by the familiar English word master.
Full origin of masterbate →Frequently asked questions
Is it masterbate or masturbate?
Masturbate is the only correct spelling. The u in the second syllable comes from the Latin masturbari, and no dictionary recognises masterbate as a variant. The mistake happens because English speakers hear an unstressed vowel and default to the familiar word master.
Is masturbation harmful?
Mainstream medical bodies regard it as a normal and harmless sexual behaviour with no physical ill effects. It is only treated as a problem when it becomes compulsive enough to interfere with work, relationships or daily functioning, or when it causes physical soreness.