ego

ego

noun \ˈē-(ˌ)gō also ˈe-\

plural egos

Definition of EGO

1

: the self especially as contrasted with another self or the world

2

a : egotism 2

b : self-esteem 1

3

: the one of the three divisions of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory that serves as the organized conscious mediator between the person and reality especially by functioning both in the perception of and adaptation to reality — compare id, superego

— ego·less adjective

Examples of EGO

1. <I have enough ego not to want to give up easily in any contest or competition.>
2. <a star athlete with a refreshing lack of ego>

Origin of EGO

New Latin, from Latin, I — more at i

First Known Use: 1789

Related to EGO

Synonyms

pride, pridefulness, self-esteem, self-regard, self-respect

Antonyms

humbleness, humility, modesty

Related Words

aplomb, assurance, confidence, self-assurance, self-assuredness, self-confidence, self-pride, self-trust, self-worth; dignity, face, honor, prestige

Near Antonyms

discredit, disesteem, disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, humiliation, ignominy, infamy, obloquy, odium, opprobrium, shame; demureness, down-to-earthness, humbleness, humility, modesty; diffidence, meekness, shyness, timidity, timidness

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

ego

noun \ˈē-(ˌ)gō also ˈeg-(ˌ)ō\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; egos

Medical Definition of EGO

1

: the self especially as contrasted with another self or the world

2

: the one of the three divisions of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory that serves as the organized conscious mediator between the person and reality especially by functioning both in the perception of and adaptation to reality—compare id[1], superego

ego

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In psychoanalytic theory, the portion of the psyche experienced as the “self” or “I.” It is the part that remembers, evaluates, plans, and in other ways is responsive to and acts in the surrounding physical and social world. According to Sigmund Freud, it coexists with the id (the unconscious, instinctual portion of the psyche) and the superego (the portion representing the conscience, or the internalization of societal norms). The ego is not coextensive with either the personality or the body; rather, it serves to integrate these and other aspects of the person, such as memory, imagination, and behaviour. It mediates between the id and the superego by building up various defense mechanisms.