self-absorption
Americannoun
noun
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preoccupation with oneself to the exclusion of others or the outside world
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physics the process in which some of the radiation emitted by a material is absorbed by the material itself
Etymology
Origin of self-absorption
First recorded in 1860–65
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
By the end, it’s hard not to feel for him even as you laugh at his self-absorption.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 13, 2025
But at the very centre of this film is Prince Andrew, played with fleshy self-absorption by Rufus Sewell.
From BBC ● Apr. 5, 2024
Jacobs, the prop master, is encouraged that the show’s carefully selected signifiers of wealth, status, self-absorption and poor taste are still being appreciated by fans.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 13, 2024
The interview went viral on Friday, prompting widespread criticism of Wenner and portraying him as embodying stereotypes about Baby Boomer self-absorption and entitlement.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2023
Joe breathed shallowly, afraid that any sound might drag her out of her self-absorption.
From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
