egoism

ego·ism

noun \ˈē-gə-ˌwiz-əm also ˈeg-ə-\

Definition of EGOISM

1

a : a doctrine that individual self-interest is the actual motive of all conscious action b : a doctrine that individual self-interest is the valid end of all actions

2

: excessive concern for oneself without exaggerated feelings of self-importance—compare egotism

—ego·ist \-wəst\ noun

—ego·is·tic \ˌē-gə-ˈwis-tik also ˌeg-ə-\ also ego·is·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective

—ego·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb