3 syllables: Mas, tur, bate. Stress on Mas.
MAS-tur-bayt
/ˈmæstɚˌbeɪt/
Masturbate is pronounced MAS-tur-bayt (/ˈmæstɚˌbeɪt/). It has three syllables (Mas-tur-bate), with the stress on "Mas". Masturbate is a verb meaning to induce sexual arousal or orgasm by oneself or with stimulation of the genitals. It is commonly used in medical, educational, or informal contexts to describe the act. The term is neutral in technical settings but carries private or potentially taboo connotations in casual conversation; tone and audience matter when choosing when/how to use it.
verbMasturbate is a verb meaning to induce sexual arousal or orgasm by oneself or with stimulation of the genitals. It is commonly used in medical, educational, or informal contexts to describe the act. The term is neutral in technical settings but carries private or potentially taboo connotations in casual conversation; tone and audience matter when choosing when/how to use it.
How to Pronounce Masturbate
"During anatomy class, the physician explained masturbation as a natural form of sexual exploration."
"Some health educators discuss masturbation to promote safe sexual attitudes and body awareness."
"In clinical research, masturbation may be referenced when studying sexual behavior and satisfaction."
Masturbate is stressed on the first syllable: /ˈmæstərˌbeɪt/ (US) or /ˈmæs.təˌbeɪt/ (UK/US variants; Australian often /ˈmæstəˌbeɪt/). Start with /mæ/ as in ‘mat,’ then /stər/ with a quick schwa or reduced vowel, and end with /beɪt/ as in ‘bait.’ The second syllable carries the /ər/ or /tər/ cluster; ensure the /t/ is clear but not overly aspirated. In natural speech, the first syllable holds primary stress and the second is secondary. Audio reference: Pronounce or Forvo example would show American, British, and Australian renderings.
Common errors: 1) Dropping the /tɚ/ cluster, ending with a bare /beɪt/; 2) Turning /æ/ into a more open /a/ or /e/ sound in the first syllable; 3) Misplacing stress, saying /ˈmæstərˈbeɪt/ with even stress. Correction: maintain primary stress on the first syllable, use a clear /t/ followed by a light schwa /ər/ or /ər/; keep /beɪt/ as a diphthong /beɪ/ with slight rounding of the lips for accuracy. Listen to native pronunciation and mimic the rhythm to avoid truncation of the middle syllable.
US: /ˈmæstərˌbeɪt/ with rhotic /r/ and a stressed first syllable; UK: /ˈmæs.təˌbeɪt/ with non-rhotic /r/ and a shorter /t/; AU: /ˈmæstəˌbeɪt/ often with a rolled or tapped tongue for /d/ or /t/ depending on speaker, more vowel reduction in the first syllable. Vowel quality shifts: US tends to a stronger /ɜr/; UK reduces the second vowel /ə/ more; AU can be more centralized vowels. Listening to regional recordings helps map subtle shifts in rhoticity and vowel height.
Phonetic challenges include the /mæst/ onset clustering, the mid-central /ər/ or /ə/ schwa, and the final /beɪt/ diphthong. The /t/ can bleed into a /d/ in fast speech, and the /ɹ/ in rhotic accents may alter the middle syllable quality. Additionally, the word’s clinical context can influence listener expectations, making pronunciation feel less natural in casual conversation. Practice slowing the transition between /st/ and /ər/ and on the /beɪt/ diphthong to stabilize rhythm.
Stress and syllable timing: Masturbate is two-syllable with three vowels across: /ˈmæstərˌbeɪt/. The primary stress sits on the first syllable, but you must give the final /beɪt/ its own clear movement. Pay attention to the /st/ cluster blending into /ər/; avoid an intrusive /ɪ/ or an extra vowel between /st/ and /ər/. In connected speech, the sequence can lightly reduce to /ˈmæs.təˌbeɪt/ without losing intelligibility. IPA cues and mouth position guide accurate delivery.
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The word masturbation derives from the Latin verb masturbari, meaning to lament or to master, with the root morpheme madere meaning to be moist or wet. The English formation appears in the 18th century, influenced by Latin and Greek medical vocabularies, where the term was used in clinical discussions of sexual function. It began to take on a more specific meaning related to self-stimulation of the genitals in the later 18th and 19th centuries, especially within medical and psychological texts that sought to classify sexual behaviors. By the 20th century, masturbation became a common colloquial term for self-stimulation, with increasing public discourse and sexuality education normalizing the topic, though it often carries stigma in certain cultures. First known use in print appears in English medical literature of the late 1700s, with broader adoption in general language by the early 1900s. The word’s negative connotations in some societies contrast with contemporary health-focused discussions that emphasize sexual health, consent, and safety. The evolution reflects changing attitudes toward sexuality, from moral judgment to a more clinical or educational framing. Public and academic discourse now treats masturbation as a natural aspect of sexual development, though comfort levels with the term vary across regions and generations.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Masturbate" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Masturbate" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Masturbate"
-ate sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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