sensationalism
UK[sɛnˈseɪʃ(ə)nəˌlɪz(ə)m]US[sɛnˈseɪʃənəˌlɪzəm]
n
The use of exciting or shocking stories or language at the expense of accuracy, in order to provoke public interest or excitement.
n
The philosophical doctrine that knowledge is ultimately derived from sensory experience.
Morpheme Breakdown
sensation
al
ism
sensation
sense impression
al
adjective suffix
ism
doctrine or practice
Etymology
The word 'sensationalism' is built upon the core Latin root sent-, meaning "to feel" or "to perceive," which evolved into the noun 'sensation' denoting a strong feeling or impression. The suffix -al transforms it into an adjective, 'sensational,' meaning "pertaining to or causing sensation." Finally, the addition of the Greek-derived suffix -ism crystallizes the concept into a noun representing a systematic practice or doctrine. Thus, the term's literal construction—"the practice (-ism) of that which pertains to (-al) sensation"—logically evolved to describe the journalistic or philosophical focus on provoking or deriving knowledge from sensory impressions and emotional reactions, often prioritizing impact over factual substance.
Analysis
Structure: sensation (sense impression) + al (adjective suffix) + ism (doctrine or practice)
- sensation: From Latin sensatio (a feeling, perception), from sensus (sense, feeling). The root is sent- (to feel).
- al: A suffix of Latin origin forming adjectives meaning "of or pertaining to".
- ism: A suffix of Greek origin (via Latin -ismus) forming nouns denoting a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy.
Examples
The tabloid newspaper was often criticized for its crude sensationalism.
Critics accused the documentary of resorting to sensationalism rather than balanced reporting.
In philosophy, sensationalism is contrasted with rationalism as a theory of knowledge.