'sensationalist' 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 leading to 'sensationalist.'

Initially, it referred to the act of perceiving through the senses, but over time it evolved to describe exaggerated or dramatic presentation in media.