self-gratification

American  

[self-grat-uh-fi-key-shuhn, self-] / ˈsɛlfˌgræt ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. the act of pleasing or satisfying oneself, especially the gratifying of one's own impulses, needs, or desires.

---

Etymology

Origin of self-gratification

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Crucially, these collected lyrics aren’t an exercise in self-gratification; Sondheim is insightful and unsparing about his own mistakes, even the ones that only he is smart enough to see.

From Slate • Nov. 18, 2019

It will examine the pathology of power in the service of self-gratification and self-protection — from the law and from accountability.

From New York Times • Sep. 2, 2019

“There’s a lot of self-gratification in helping people. I can’t believe people send us thank-you notes for something we get paid to do.”

From Washington Times • Feb. 6, 2017

“It refers to those aspects of well-being that transcend immediate self-gratification and connect people to something larger,” she said.

From The New Yorker • Jul. 7, 2016

The rich man in politics, sins for his own self-gratification; the poor man, to better himself or his family, often not comprehending the enormity of his crime.

From A Man of Two Countries by Dowling, Colista M.

Related Words

• squandering