hedonism

Definition

The philosophical belief that happiness, particularly sensual pleasure, is the highest good in life.

Etymology

First attested 1856: from Ancient Greek ἡδονή (hēdonḗ, “pleasure”) + -ism.

Example Sentences

• "It began with his shrugging off of both family and faith and taking the Amtrak Vermonter out of Penn Station to major in minor hedonism and minor in the major modernists at a hippie college in the great Jewless north."

Related Words