1. 1. The use of sensational matter or methods, especially in writing, journalism, or politics.
   2. Sensational subject matter.
   3. Interest in or the effect of such subject matter.
2. Philosophy. The theory that sensation is the only source of knowledge.
3. The ethical doctrine that feeling is the only criterion of good.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.