n. 1. the creation of sexual excitement by the self. This may be through masturbation, fantasizing, or other sexual behaviors (e.g., stimulating nongenital portions of the body). See also secondary autoeroticism. (defined by British sexologist Havelock Ellis (1859- 1939)1 2. formerly, this term was used to signal genital arousal in the sleep, which is now understood to be a normal component of one stage of sleep. Also known as autoerotism.
AUTOEROTICISM: “The person masturbated each day, which was an example of autoeroticism.”