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

Up to 6 percent of the U.S. population, mostly men, is estimated to have had narcissistic personality disorder during some period of their lives.

From Scientific American • Aug. 16, 2023

As it turns out, there are so many manifestations of narcissistic personality disorder that the main challenge lies in classifying them.

From Salon • Jan. 26, 2023