wish fulfillment

noun

1. gratification of desires.
2. Psychoanalysis. the drive to free oneself from tension caused by instinctual needs, as sex.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wish fulfillment¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Because I think the spy genre is a sort of wish fulfillment about highly capable people who are equipped with gadgets and conduct themselves effortlessly.

From Los Angeles Times

So knowing that, it's like, “OK, we need him to be so lovable, we need him to feel like you know he needs to be that wish fulfillment on the side. This is everything any straight woman could possibly dream of.”

From Salon

Look, there's a lot of wish fulfillment in this film.

From Salon

“Hacks” at its best is an exercise in wish fulfillment.

From Salon

“Bridgerton” is all dessert, happy endings and wish fulfillment.

From Salon