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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
By contrast, Diop’s film leaves behind history and wish fulfillment, preferring to explore what restitution means in the messy present and uncertain future.
—Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2024
There’s nostalgia and wish fulfillment, and various opportunities (temptations, even) to reset the entire narrative and return to the comfort of equilibrium — but this has never been a show to shy away from a challenge.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2024
This is wish fulfillment of a happier time, of a happier life, which clearly does not exist in the world of Arthur Fleck or anyone in the movie, really.
—Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Oct. 2024
The wish fulfillment is sweet, but a barrier to fleshing Noah out beyond the fantasy, let alone depicting his relationship with Joanne as a pairing of two equally complex individuals.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wish fulfillment
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wish fulfillment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1908, in the meaning defined above
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 31 Oct. 2024.
Medical Definition
wish fulfillment
noun
wish ful·fill·ment
-mənt
: the gratification of a desire especially symbolically (as in dreams or fantasies)
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