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 ancient Greek word charassein contains an element of what Kirby was taking about—that the creation of a character is in some way one of personal transference, a kind of mythological wish fulfillment. Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026 The book is a kind of wish fulfillment. Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 24 Feb. 2026 Is this just wish fulfillment for horny old widowers? Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 18 Jan. 2026 They are horrified by their old lyrics, so full of obvious wish fulfillment by sleazy males looking to attract an unabashedly sleazy nation. Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Jan. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Wish fulfillment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wish%20fulfillment. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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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