hedonism

[ heed-n-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the doctrine that pleasure or happiness is the highest good.
2. devotion to pleasure as a way of life:

   The later Roman emperors were notorious for their hedonism.

   Synonyms: carousal, dissipation, debauchery, libertinism, sensualism

   Antonyms: self-denial, puritanism, abstemious, asceticism

hedonism

/ ˈhɛd-; ˈhiːdəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. ethics
   1. the doctrine that moral value can be defined in terms of pleasure See utilitarianism
   2. the doctrine that the pursuit of pleasure is the highest good
2. the pursuit of pleasure as a matter of principle
3. indulgence in sensual pleasures

hedonism

1. In ethics , the doctrine that pleasure or happiness is the highest good in life. Some hedonists, such as the Epicureans , have insisted that pleasure of the entire mind, not just pleasure of the senses, is this highest good.

Derived Forms

• heˈdonic, adjective
• ˈhedonist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hedonism¹

First recorded in 1855–60; from Greek hēdonḗ “pleasure, enjoyment” + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of hedonism¹

C19: from Greek hēdonē pleasure

Example Sentences

On first glance, it’s all about hedonism - sweaty dancefloors, decadent parties, bad behaviour and “looking like an icon”.

From BBC

Tudyk’s alien embodies the absurdity of assumption along with an endless potential for wonder – and hedonism.

From Salon

The annual event began in 2011 and has been described as a festival of "wholesome hedonism".

From BBC

There is a kind of redefining what Christianity is that often includes a lot of hedonism.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is not about whether they purely support the Palestinian cause or not but the issue of hedonism culture that they bring to our community,” he said Tuesday in Parliament.

From Seattle Times