massage — OET

massage

noun

rub-down, rubbing, rub, kneading, palpation, manipulation, pummelling;

technical shiatsu, reflexology, acupressure, hydromassage, Swedish massage, osteopathy, chiropractic treatment, effleurage, tapotement, Rolfing.

verb

1 he massaged her tired muscles:

rub, rub down, knead, palpate, manipulate, pummel, work;

rare embrocate.

2 the statistics have been massaged:

alter, tamper with, manipulate, doctor, falsify, juggle, fiddle with, tinker with, distort, change, rig, interfere with, misrepresent;

informal fix, cook;

British, informal fiddle.

massage Oxford Dictionary of English