narcissistic personality disorder

American  

[nahr-suh-sis-tik pur-suh-nal-i-tee dis-awr-der] / ˌnɑr səˈsɪs tɪk ˌpɜr səˈnæl ɪ ti dɪsˌɔr dər /

noun

Psychiatry.

1. a personality disorder characterized by extreme self-centeredness and self-absorption, fantasies involving unrealistic goals, an excessive need for attention and admiration, and disturbed interpersonal relationships. NPD

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Etymology

Origin of narcissistic personality disorder

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

He cited a psychiatric expert who diagnosed the defendant with a narcissistic personality disorder.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

Years ago, hedge-fund managers, including Julian Robertson and Steve Cohen, hired in-house therapists, including Dr. Aaron Stern, an expert in narcissistic personality disorder.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025

But search results showed criteria for narcissistic personality disorder, a condition marked by unreasonably high self-importance, pathological need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.

From Slate • Jul. 23, 2025

“People with pathological narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder have a reputation of not changing or dropping off from treatment,” Ronningstam says.

From Scientific American • Aug. 16, 2023

Clinically speaking, narcissistic personality disorder is the figurative equivalent of that famous story: A narcissist places themselves on a high pedestal and engage in toxic behavior as a result.

From Salon • May 17, 2023