massage

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun kneading and rubbing parts of the body to increase circulation and promote relaxation
  2. verb manually manipulate (someone's body), usually for medicinal or relaxation purposes
  3. verb give a massage to

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.

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