massage

Definition

The action of rubbing, kneading or hitting someone's body, to help the person relax, prepare for muscular action (as in contact sports) or to relieve aches.

Etymology

From French massage (noun), from masser (“to massage”) (borrowed around the end of the 18th century from Arabic مَسَّ (massa, “feel, touch”), or from Portuguese amassar) + -age. Cognate to German massieren.

Example Sentences

• "Having a massage can have many beneficial effects."
• "During the long lapses in work common with on-location productions, Marilyn would silently meditate as Roberts provided a shoulder massage."
• "The baker gave the dough one final massage."

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