self-deceit

noun

self-de·​ceit ˌself-di-ˈsēt How to pronounce self-deceit (audio)
plural self-deceits
: the act or an instance of deceiving oneself or the state of being deceived by oneself : self-deception
Mrs. Grant … could, by the easiest self-deceit, persuade herself that she was doing the kindest thing by Fanny …Jane Austen

Examples of self-deceit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Alex’s reflexive duplicity is rivaled only by her self-deceit. Ron Charles, Washington Post, 9 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-deceit.' 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

1590, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-deceit was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near self-deceit

Cite this Entry

“Self-deceit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-deceit. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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