press-agentry

[ pres-ey-juhn-tree ]

noun

1. the vocation or responsibilities of a press agent.
2. publicity produced by a press agent's work or skill, especially in making a person or thing seem more desirable, admirable, or successful.

Word History and Origins

Origin of press-agentry¹

First recorded in 1910–15; press agent + -ry

Example Sentences

Displaying their new fondness for press-agentry, Soviets in Moscow responded with a press conference at which snooping gadgets, including microphones, optical devices and transmitters were displayed.

From Time Magazine Archive

While the Air Force does have some remarkable missiles, the stratospheric claims of Airman Gardner had the bumptious ring of old-style Air Force press-agentry.

From Time Magazine Archive

Part of J.P.L.'s technical proficiency and lack of press-agentry is due to its connection with Caltech.

From Time Magazine Archive

It apparently was released by a public-relations man who was more interested in press-agentry than he was in the truth.

From Time Magazine Archive

Producer Samuel Goldwyn's wild-eyed press-agentry dispatched a telegram in his name to Mr. Mohamed Amine Youssef, Egyptian Minister in Washington inquiring rates and conditions for advertising on the Pyramids to be used "in a dignified manner to announce the coming world release of The Adventures Of Marco Polo."

From Time Magazine Archive

Related Words

• attention
• clout
• commercial
• distribution
• fame
• hoopla
• hype
• noise
• notoriety
• propaganda