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

Examples of self-delusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The story of Némirovsky’s own efforts to secure protection from Vichy France would have neatly complemented the narratives of vanity and self-delusion that define the novel. —James Heffernan, The New York Review of Books, 18 Jan. 2024

Yes, the film is filled with self-delusion and unethical behavior, not just on Gracie’s part, but Elizabeth’s. —Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 15 Nov. 2023

In my view, the book is best read as a portrait of self-delusion. —Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2023

Our lives, even our most intimate ones, Hill suggests, are susceptible to a series of false narratives, propped up by conspiracy theories, placebo effects and self-delusion. —Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2023

But being a Tomato Girl is just as much a mindset: a self-delusion that real life can be a holiday, even when you’re stuck at home. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 July 2023

Both bands are singing about self-delusion, but Steely Dan are singing in the voice of self-delusion, instead of describing self-delusion. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2023

That same self-delusion returns in a form that impresses gullible critics. —Armond White, National Review, 24 May 2023

Their rabid devotion to the cause, combined with rampant self-delusion and astonishing incompetence, led to the arrest of the duo and their team and ultimately brought down the administration. —Stuart Miller, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1