/ ˈmæsɑːʒ; NAmE məˈsɑːʒ/ noun , verb
■ noun
[ U , C ] the action of rubbing and pressing a person's body with the hands to reduce pain in the muscles and joints :
Massage will help the pain.
a back massage
to give sb a massage
massage oils
■ verb [ vn ]
1.
to rub and press a person's body with the hands to reduce pain in the muscles and joints :
He massaged the aching muscles in her feet.
( figurative )
to massage sb's ego (= to make sb feel better, more confident, attractive, etc.)
2.
to rub a substance into the skin, hair, etc. :
Massage the cream into your skin.
3.
( disapproving ) to change facts, figures, etc. in order to make them seem better than they really are :
The government was accused of massaging the unemployment figures.
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WORD ORIGIN
late 19th cent.: from French , from masser knead, treat with massage, probably from Portuguese amassar knead, from massa dough.