'sensationalism' originates from the word 'sensation,' which comes from the Latin word 'sensus,' meaning 'feeling' or 'perception.'

'sensation' evolved from the Latin 'sensus' through Old French 'sensation,' eventually becoming the modern English word 'sensation' and later 'sensationalism.'

Initially, it referred to the capacity to feel or perceive, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of using shocking stories to provoke interest.