self-deception

noun

self-de·​cep·​tion ˌself-di-ˈsep-shən 

plural self-deceptions

: 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

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

self-deception

noun

self-de·​cep·​tion

ˌself-di-ˈsep-shən

: the act of deceiving oneself : the state of being deceived by oneself