self-deception

American  

[self-di-sep-shuhn, self-] / ˈsɛlf dɪˈsɛp ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. the act or fact of deceiving oneself.

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self-deception British  

noun

1. the act or an instance of deceiving oneself, esp as to the true nature of one's feelings or motives

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Other Word Forms

• self-deceptive adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-deception

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Though “American hegemony” offered some benefits—“open sea lanes, a stable financial system, collective security and support for frameworks for resolving disputes”—it also required collective self-deception.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the album’s opener, “Hope Less,” she wonders how far she might be willing to go to accommodate a lover’s neglect; “Good Liar” examines the self-deception necessary to keep putting up with it.

From Los Angeles Times

This seems to be more of a problem than he’s admitting, and it’s not the only self-deception he practices.

From Los Angeles Times

To not see this for what it is can be attributed to being naïve and gullible, to self-deception by outright denial, or to being complicit.

From Salon

Anything that we’re afraid of that isn’t happening now is a self-deception.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deception
• fantasy
• hallucination
• illusion
• pipe dream