sensationalize

American  

[sen-sey-shuh-nl-ahyz] / sɛnˈseɪ ʃə nlˌaɪz /

especially British, sensationalise

verb (used with object)

sensationalized, sensationalizing

1. to make sensational.

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sensationalize British  

/ sɛnˈseɪʃənəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to cause (events, esp in newspaper reports) to seem more vivid, shocking, etc, than they really are

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Other Word Forms

• desensationalize verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of sensationalize

First recorded in 1850–55; sensational + -ize

Example Sentences

“Oftentimes, people—especially young scientists—want to call old discoveries by new names to sensationalize them,” she says.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2024

Gladstone, who was cast in the series in 2022, told Deadline in an interview that all involved with “Under the Bridge” took pains not to sensationalize its true-crime topic.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 2024

There is an almost abstract quality to the sound that is supposedly “in camera,” but part of the point of that is to not sensationalize the use of sound when possible.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2024

I made sure they knew I wasn’t interested in belaboring the crime and that I wasn’t trying to sensationalize what happened to her.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2023

They tend to sensationalize — to appeal to the voyeuristic tendencies people have.

From 100 New Yorkers of the 1970s by Millard, Max