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

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

Can you distinguish between narcissistic personality disorder and narcissistic traits?

From Salon • Sep. 8, 2023

“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

She most probably suffered from borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder, although she consistently refused therapy.

From Washington Post • Aug. 10, 2022