wish fulfillment

noun

: the gratification of a desire especially symbolically (as in dreams, daydreams, or neurotic symptoms)

Examples of wish fulfillment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Smashing a laptop felt like wish fulfillment in 2010. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2024 These stories amount to wish fulfillment for people who want to believe stereotypes about German austerity, which may be a measure of the Grimms’ success. Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024 For some people, that’s the kind of wish fulfillment that puts superheroes to shame. Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2024 This story also represents a bit of wish fulfillment for the author, putting a woman in the director's chair for an old Hollywood film. EW.com, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wish fulfillment 

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wish fulfillment was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near wish fulfillment

Cite this Entry

“Wish fulfillment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wish%20fulfillment. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

wish fulfillment

noun
wish ful·​fill·​ment
-mənt
: the gratification of a desire especially symbolically (as in dreams or fantasies)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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