Definition of hedonism

exculpate Definition: (verb) to free from blame or guilt. Petersons.com

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< hedonics

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he·don·ism    (hdn-zm) KEY  

NOUN:

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

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ETYMOLOGY:
Greek hdon, pleasure; see swd- in Indo-European roots + -ism

OTHER FORMS:
hedon·ist (Noun), hedon·istic (Adjective), hedon·isti·cal·ly (Adverb)

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