1. sensationalism(n = noun.communication) - subject matter that is calculated to excite and please vulgar tastes;
is a kind of content, message, subject matter, substance
Derived forms noun sensationalist1, adjective sensationalistic1
2. sensationalism(n = noun.communication) luridness - the journalistic use of subject matter that appeals to vulgar tastes; "the tabloids relied on sensationalism to maintain their circulation"
is a kind of journalese
Derived forms noun sensationalist1, adjective sensationalistic1
3. sensationalism(n = noun.cognition) sensualism - (philosophy) the ethical doctrine that feeling is the only criterion for what is good;
is a kind of philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory
4. sensationalism(n = noun.cognition) empiricism, empiricist philosophy - (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience;
is a kind of philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory
has particulars: british empiricism, experimentalism, logical positivism, positivism
1. 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
2. The practice or methods of sensational writing or speaking; as, the sensationalism of a novel. [1913 Webster]
sensationalism, n.
1 the use of or interest in the sensational in literature, political agitation, etc.
2 Philos. the theory that ideas are derived solely from sensation (opp. RATIONALISM).
Derivative:
sensationalist n. & adj. sensationalistic adj.
N excitation of feeling, mental excitement, suscitation, galvanism, stimulation, piquance, piquancy, provocation, inspiration, calling forth, infection, animation, agitation, perturbation, subjugation, fascination, intoxication, enravishment, entrancement, pressure, tension, high pressure, unction, impressiveness, trail of temper, casus belli, irritation, passion, thrill, repression of feeling, sensationalism, yellow journalism, excited, wrought up, up the qui vive, astir, sparkling, in a quiver, in a fever, in a ferment, in a blaze, in a state of excitement, in hysterics, black in the face, overwrought, tense, taught, on a razor's edge, hot, red-hot, flushed, feverish, all of a twitter, in a pucker, with quivering lips, with tears in one's eyes, flaming, boiling over, ebullient, seething, foaming at the mouth, fuming, raging, carried away by passion, wild, raving, frantic, mad, distracted, beside oneself, out of one's wits, ready to burst, bouleverse, demoniacal, lost, eperdu, tempest-tossed, haggard, ready to sink, stung to the quick, up, on one's high ropes, exciting, absorbing, riveting, distracting, impressive, warm, glowing, fervid, swelling, imposing, spirit-stirring, thrilling, high-wrought, soul-stirring, soul-subduing, heart-stirring, heart- swelling, heart-thrilling, agonizing, telling, sensational, hysterical, overpowering, overwhelming, more than flesh and blood can bear, yellow, piquant, spicy, appetizing, provocative, provoquant, tantalizing, eager to go, anxious to go, chafing at the bit, till one is black in the face, the heart beating high, the heart going pitapat, the heart leaping into one's mouth, the blood being up, the blood boiling in one's veins, the eye glistening, the eyes in a fine frenzy rolling, the head turned, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.