sensationalism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun subject matter that is calculated to excite and please vulgar tastes
  2. noun the journalistic use of subject matter that appeals to vulgar tastes
    luridness.
    • the tabloids relied on sensationalism to maintain their circulation
  3. noun (philosophy) the ethical doctrine that feeling is the only criterion for what is good
    sensualism.
  4. noun (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience
    empiricist philosophy; empiricism.

WordNet

Sen*sa"tion*al*ism noun
Definitions
  1. (Metaph.) The doctrine held by Condillac, and by some ascribed to Locke, that our ideas originate solely in sensation, and consist of sensations transformed; sensualism; -- opposed to intuitionalism, and rationalism.
  2. The practice or methods of sensational writing or speaking; as, the sensationalism of a novel.

Webster 1913