Epicureanism

[ep-i-kyoo-ree-uh-niz-uh m, -kyoo r-ee-]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR Epicureanism ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the philosophical system or doctrine of Epicurus, holding that the external world is a series of fortuitous combinations of atoms and that the highest good is pleasure, interpreted as freedom from disturbance or pain.

(lowercase) epicurean indulgence or habits.

Also Ep·i·cur·ism

[ep-i-kyoo-riz-uh m, ep-i-kyoo r-iz-uh m] /ˈɛp ɪ kyʊˌrɪz əm, ˌɛp ɪˈkyʊər ɪz əm/.

Origin of Epicureanism

First recorded in 1745–55; epicurean + -ism

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for epicureanism

indulgence, enjoyment, debauchery, gratification, pleasure

Examples from the Web for epicureanism

Historical Examples of epicureanism

In modern times, as will be seen, Epicureanism has enjoyed a revival.
Initiation into Philosophy
Emile Faguet
We too have our popular Epicureanism, which would allow the world to go on as if there were no God.
Laws
Plato
The passage from pantheism to epicureanism is not a long one.
Mystics and Saints of Islam
Claud Field
Epicureanism could have been carried no further than he had carried it.
The New Tenant
E. Phillips Oppenheim
My Epicureanism and her iron-bound individualism would have clashed.
The Belovd Vagabond
William J. Locke

Word Origin and History for epicureanism

1751, with reference to a philosophy; 1847 in a general sense, from epicurean + -ism. Earlier was epicurism (1570s).

epicureanism in Culture

Epicureanism

[(ep-i-kyoo-ree-uh-niz-uhm, ep-i-kyoor-ee-uh-niz-uhm)]

A form of hedonism defended by several philosophers of ancient Greece. For the Epicureans, the proper goal of action was pleasure — a long-term pleasure, marked by serenity and temperance.