(n) the journalistic use of subject matter that appeals to vulgar tastes, Syn. luridness, Example:the tabloids relied on sensationalism to maintain their circulation
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. 1. (Metaph.) The doctrine held by Condillac, and by some ascribed to Locke, that our ideas originate solely in sensation, and consist of sensations transformed; sensualism; -- opposed to intuitionalism, and rationalism. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The practice or methods of sensational writing or speaking; as, the sensationalism of a novel. [ 1913 Webster ]