To save this word, you'll need to log in.
self-de·cep·tion | \ ˌself-di-ˈsep-shən 
\
\ plural self-deceptions
Definition of self-deception
: the act or an instance of deceiving oneself or the state of being deceived by oneself especially concerning one's true nature, feelings, etc.
the capacity for self-deception Over time, [Henry] Marsh writes, many doctors start to internalize the stories they tell themselves about their superior judgment and skill. But the best, he adds, unlearn their self-deceptions, and come to accept their fallibility and learn from their mistakes.— Jennifer Senior
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for self-deception
self-deception
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of self-deception
: the act of making yourself believe something that is not true
See the full definition for self-deception in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Comments on self-deception
What made you want to look up self-deception? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Homophone Quiz
- In order to judge how people felt, the senator's office hired a firm to take a
______.
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Share self-deception
Time Traveler for self-deception
The first known use of self-deception was in 1648
See more words from the same year