narcissistic

[nahr-suh-sis-tik]

adjective

1. having an undue fascination with oneself; vain.

2. Psychiatry.,  relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting narcissistic personality disorder.

3. Psychoanalysis.,  tending to derive erotic gratification from admiration of one's own physical or mental attributes.

Other Word Forms

• narcissistically adverb
• nonnarcissistic adjective
• unnarcissistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of narcissistic¹

First recorded in 1915–20; narciss(ism) + -istic

Example Sentences

On his podcasts and elsewhere, Maron has spoken at length about growing up with narcissistic, emotionally detached parents and how that dynamic likely laid the groundwork for his problematic sense of self.

From Los Angeles Times

“He’s not a racist, but he does have this sort of narcissistic tendency to judge moments based on how he’s being treated and judged,” Gunn said.

From Salon

Menendez said he had discussed those issues, but that he didn’t agree he showed narcissistic traits.

From Los Angeles Times

One of those flashback chapters, “The Cradle of Civilization,” unravels the ironic, ravaging narcissistic, perhaps psychopathic implications of the title.

From Los Angeles Times

Hannah is as entitled and narcissistic as the others, but slovenly in a way that, for some reason, made her seem . . . what’s the word?

From Salon

Related Words

• self-centered 
• self-involved