onanism

noun

onan·ism | \ˈō-nə-ˌni-zəm

\

Definition of onanism

1 : masturbation

2 : coitus interruptus

3 : self-gratification the kind of intellectual onanism to which he was dedicated— Esther P. Shiverick

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Examples of onanism in a Sentence

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One White House foe famously described Bannon's behavior in office as nothing but a particularly impossible form of onanism. — Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, "In Europe, Steve Bannon can still play the hero," 13 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'onanism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near onanism

on an empty stomach

on an equal footing

on a nightly basis

on another line

on (a) par with

on a personal level

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Time Traveler for onanism

The first known use of onanism was in 1718

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More Definitions for onanism

onanism

noun

onan·ism | \ˈō-nə-ˌniz-əm

\

Medical Definition of onanism

1 : masturbation

2 : coitus interruptus

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evasion of direct action or statement

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