massage

¹mas·sage

noun \mə-ˈsäzh, -ˈsäj\

Definition of MASSAGE

: manipulation of tissues (as by rubbing, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument for therapeutic purposes

Examples of MASSAGE

1. She gave him a neck massage.
2. using massage to help relax

Origin of MASSAGE

French, from masser to massage, from Arabic massa to stroke

First Known Use: circa 1860

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

Rhymes with MASSAGE

barrage, collage, corsage, dislodge, garage, hodgepodge, Karaj, swaraj

²massage

transitive verb

mas·sagedmas·sag·ing

Definition of MASSAGE

1

: to subject to massage

2

a : to treat flatteringly : blandish

b : manipulate, doctor <massaged the data to help his cause>

— mas·sag·er noun

Examples of MASSAGE

1. She massaged her leg until the numbness was gone.
2. <a candidate who knows that you have to massage the voters if you want to get elected>

First Known Use of MASSAGE

1887

Related to MASSAGE

Synonyms

adulate, belaud, blarney, butter up, hero-worship, honey, flatter, overpraise, puff, soft-soap, stroke

Related Words

blandish, cajole, coax, sweet-talk, wheedle; fawn, kowtow, suck (up to), toady; idolize, worship; eulogize, extol (also extoll), laud, praise; applaud, commend, compliment; congratulate, felicitate; drool, gush, slaver, slobber; endear, ingratiate; court, romance, woo

Near Antonyms

bad-mouth, belittle, decry, depreciate, disparage, put down

massage

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Systematic, scientific manipulation of body tissues with the hands to relieve pain and reduce swelling, relax muscles, and speed healing after strains and sprains. It has been used for more than 3,000 years by the Chinese. Early in the 19th century, the Swedish physician Per Henrik Ling (1776–1839) devised a massage system for joint and muscle ailments, which was later extended to relieve deformities of arthritis and re-educate muscles following paralysis. Manipulations include light or hard stroking, compression (kneading, squeezing, and friction), and percussion (striking with the edges of the hands in rapid alternation). In acupressure, a style of massage derived from China, pressure is exerted on Chinese acupuncture points for healing effects. See also physical medicine and rehabilitation.