Definition of "hedonism" []

• Pursuit of or devotion to pleasure, especially to the pleasures of the senses. (noun)
• Philosophy The ethical doctrine holding that only what is pleasant or has pleasant consequences is intrinsically good. (noun)
• Psychology The doctrine holding that behavior is motivated by the desire for pleasure and the avoidance of pain. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "This distinction does not save you, because more sophisticated long-term hedonism is really no better than short-term hedonism both of which must be distinguished from disciplined action."
• "We are now watching the spectacle of another experiment in hedonism, the European Union, as it learns the grim facts of life."
• "I'm just not sure if the 10% hedonism is a flaw or a virtue."