sensationalism

[sen-sey-shuh-nl-iz-uhm]

noun

1. subject matter, language, or style producing or designed to produce startling or thrilling impressions or to excite and please vulgar taste.

2. the use of or interest in this subject matter, language, or style.

   The cheap tabloids relied on sensationalism to increase their circulation.

3. Philosophy.

   1. the doctrine that the good is to be judged only by the gratification of the senses.

   2. the doctrine that all ideas are derived from and are essentially reducible to sensations.

4. Psychology.,  sensationism.

sensationalism

/ 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

   1. the doctrine that knowledge cannot go beyond the analysis of experience

   2. ethics the doctrine that the ability to gratify the senses is the only criterion of goodness

4. psychol 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

Other Word Forms

• sensationalist noun
• sensationalistic adjective
• nonsensationalistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensationalism¹

First recorded in 1840–50; sensational + -ism

Example Sentences

Brundage, like many at the time, chose sensationalism to stimulate sales.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Asked for comment, Tricia McLaughlin, Homeland Security assistant secretary for public affairs, described The Times’ questions as “sensationalism” and added “only the media would describe standard agency personnel changes as a ‘massive shakeup.’”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s angering, and rightfully so, but watching three young children grapple with the realization that their mother is gone backs “The Perfect Neighbor” right up to the line of rubbernecking sensationalism.

Read more on Salon

Instead, the American and British public gorged on the sensationalism because that was the supposedly “official” record.

Read more on Salon

She notes that while a degree of sensationalism is expected as channels compete for viewership, "the jingoistic and irresponsible coverage" of the conflict was unprecedented in its intensity — and unlike anything she had witnessed before.

Read more on BBC