massage

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmasɑːʒ, məˈsɑːʒ, -dʒ/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body with the hands, especially to relieve tension or pain: massage can ease tiredness [count noun]: a massage will help loosen you up

verb

[with object]
  • 1rub and knead (a person or part of the body) with the hands: she massaged his tired muscles
  • (massage something in/into/on to) rub a substance into (the skin or hair): gently massage the cream on to your face
  • 2manipulate (facts or figures) to give a more acceptable result: the accounts had been massaged to suit the government

Phrases

massage someone's ego

flatter someone: I chose a man who massaged my bruised ego

Derivatives

massager

noun

Origin:

late 19th century: from French, from masser 'knead, treat with massage', probably from Portuguese amassar 'knead', from massa 'dough'