another name for sensationalism (sense 3), sensationalism (sense 4)
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
sensationism in American English
(senˈseiʃəˌnɪzəm)
noun
a theory of psychology maintaining that experience consists solely of sensations
Also: sensationalism
Derived forms
sensationist
noun or adjective
sensationistic
adjective
Word origin
[1860–65; sensation + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1860–65. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: calibrate, jumping jack, metric system, monism, trade name-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nounsfrom verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice,state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion oradherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)