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.
The psychological reasoning for this is pretty obvious: a one-two punch of suggestibility and wish fulfillment. Gayle Forman, People.com, 25 Dec. 2024 Despite overflowing with overwrought, expository dialogue and voiceover verging on preachy, its images deftly capture the feelings its words often struggle to convey, thanks in no small part to a unique narrative flourish that blurs the line between conversation and wish fulfillment. Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2024 His research led to the common thread of wish fulfillment. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 3 Dec. 2024 Smashing a laptop felt like wish fulfillment in 2010. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 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 Jan. 2025.

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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