self-stimulation

noun

self-stim·​u·​la·​tion ˌself-ˌstim-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce self-stimulation (audio)
: stimulation of oneself as a result of one's own activity or behavior
electrical self-stimulation of the brain
especially : masturbation

Examples of self-stimulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For autistic people, spinning serves as self-stimulation. Shayla Love, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2023 Several studies have noted that female primates, such as macaques, experience orgasms, both during copulation and through self-stimulation or homosexual encounters. Louise Gentle, Scientific American, 16 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-stimulation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-stimulation was in 1860

Dictionary Entries Near self-stimulation

Cite this Entry

“Self-stimulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-stimulation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

self-stimulation

noun
self-stim·​u·​la·​tion ˈself-ˌstim-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce self-stimulation (audio)
: stimulation of oneself as a result of one's own activity or behavior
electrical self-stimulation of the brain in rats
especially : masturbation
self-stimulatory adjective
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