hedonism

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• enPR: hēdənĭzəm, IPA^(key): /ˈhiːdənɪzəm/

• Audio (US)

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• Hyphenation: he‧don‧ism

Noun

hedonism (usually uncountable, plural hedonisms)

1. (ethics) The belief 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 the highest good.
2. A general devotion to the pursuit of pleasure.

Further reading

• hedonism in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
• hedonism at OneLook Dictionary Search

Anagrams

• demonish, monished