onanism
Solitary sexual release
Onanism originally referred to coitus interruptus—withdrawal before ejaculation to prevent conception—from the biblical Onan, who "spilled his seed on the ground" rather than impregnate his brother's widow.
The term extended to masturbation generally, though this use is now dated and slightly clinical.
The Victorian medical establishment warned gravely against the dangers of onanism.
Self-stimulation for pleasure
- self-abuseMistreatment of oneself
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- prohibitionAuthoritative legal ban
- sinViolation of divine law
shame · immorality · obscenity · indecency · vice · lewdness · perversion · impurity
Painful awareness of failure
- remorseGuilt for wrongdoing
- sinViolation of divine law
- regretSorrow over past actions
- confessionAdmission of wrongdoing
penance · contrition · repentance · self-reproach · transgression · wrongdoing · absolution · redemption
Freedom from observation
- seclusionVoluntary withdrawal from society
- isolationComplete separation from others
- secrecyPractice of hiding information
- bedroomRoom for sleeping
fantasy · imagination · introspection · withdrawal · aloneness · self-absorption · hidden · furtive
Ability to restrain impulses
- willpowerMental strength resisting impulse
- restraintControl over impulses
- temperanceHabitual moderation in behavior
- chastityAbstaining from sexual activity
continence · self-denial · celibacy · purity · discipline · self-regulation · moderation · sublimation
masturbation
Self-stimulation for pleasure
- self-abuseMistreatment of oneself
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- prohibitionAuthoritative legal ban
sin · shame · immorality · obscenity · indecency · vice · lewdness · perversion · impurity · censure
shame
Painful awareness of failure
confession · penance · contrition · repentance · self-reproach · transgression · wrongdoing · absolution · redemption · atonement
privacy
Freedom from observation
- seclusionVoluntary withdrawal from society
- isolationComplete separation from others
- secrecyPractice of hiding information
bedroom · fantasy · imagination · introspection · withdrawal · aloneness · self-absorption · hidden · furtive · covert
self-control
Ability to restrain impulses
- willpowerMental strength resisting impulse
- restraintControl over impulses
- temperanceHabitual moderation in behavior
chastity · continence · self-denial · celibacy · purity · discipline · self-regulation · moderation · sublimation · renunciation
onanismintercourse
Communication or sexual connection
coitus · copulation · sexual intercourse · lovemaking · coition
onanismprocreation
Generating biological offspring
conception · breeding · insemination · impregnation · fertilization
onanismcelibacy
Abstaining from intimate relations
abstinence · chastity · continence · self-denial · asceticism