self-delusion
noun
self-de·lu·sion
ˌself-di-ˈlü-zhən
-dē-
plural self-delusions
1
: the act of deluding oneself or the state of being deluded by oneself especially concerning one's true nature, abilities, feelings, etc.
My god-given talent for self-delusion keeps me believing that the increasing amount of time I spend alone is of my own choice …—Matthew Ritger
They know what they are doing is wrong. And it's our job to remind them of it. Because when we don't continually remind them, people devolve into self-delusion.—Jessica Valenti
2
: a delusion that one has concerning oneself
… a star of immense talent who harbored no self-delusions.—Eric Marchese
Cite this Entry
“Self-delusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-delusion. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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