deluded

American

[dih-loo-did] / dɪˈlu dɪd /

adjective

entertaining a false belief or opinion; mistaken or deceived in mind or judgment.

While some deluded commentators welcomed this as "fantastic news," the rest of us were seriously upset.

verb

the simple past tense and past participle of delude.

Other Word Forms

nondeluded adjective
undeluded adjective
undeludedly adverb

Etymology

Origin of deluded

delude ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

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.

Anderson’s film is nowhere near as bad, but it’s as deluded about reality and self-important about its perspective as “Crash” was.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

But he is also so paranoid, deluded and consumed with self-loathing that throughout this caustically witty novel we can’t help but root for him every step of the way.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

Earl's barrister Paul Hynes KC described his client as "a sad individual" and compared him to the deluded fictional character Walter Mitty.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2025

They’re dismissing those who attend as deluded cultists, hardening hearts on each side even more.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2025

There were puddles, mud, and an inviting warmth that deluded us.

From "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023