Sensationalism is the presenting of facts or stories in a way that is intended to produce strong feelings of shock, anger, or excitement.
[disapproval]
The report criticises the newspaper for sensationalism.
sensationalism in British English
(sɛnˈseɪʃənəˌlɪzəm)
noun
1.
the use of sensational language, etc, to arouse an intense emotional response
2.
such sensational matter itself
3. Also called: sensualism philosophy
a.
the doctrine that knowledge cannot go beyond the analysis of experience
b. ethics
the doctrine that the ability to gratify the senses is the only criterion of goodness
4. psychology
the theory that all experience and mental life may be explained in terms of sensations and remembered images
5. aesthetics
the theory of the beauty of sensuality in the arts
Also called (for senses 3, 4): sensationism
Derived forms
sensationalist (senˈsationalist)
noun, adjective
sensationalistic (senˌsationalˈistic)
adjective
sensationalism in American English
(sɛnˈseɪʃənəˌlɪzəm)
noun
1.
a.
the use of strongly emotional subject matter, or wildly dramatic style, language, or artistic expression, that is intended to shock, startle, thrill, excite, etc.
b.
preoccupation with or exploitation of what is sensational in literature, art, etc.
2. Philosophy
the belief that all knowledge is acquired through the use of the senses
Derived forms
sensationalist (senˈsationalist)
noun
sensationalistic (senˌsationalˈistic)
adjective
Examples of 'sensationalism' in a sentence
sensationalism
"The sensationalism will be bad enough when it becomes known he was killed by a highwayman.