self-delusion

American  

[self-di-loo-zhuhn, self-] / ˈsɛlf dɪˈlu ʒən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. the act or fact of deluding oneself.

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self-delusion British  

noun

1. the act or state of deceiving or deluding oneself

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Other Word Forms

• self-deluded
  adjective
• self-deluding
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-delusion

First recorded in 1625–35

Example Sentences

In between lies a spectrum of self-interest and, perhaps, self-delusion, but the particulars of this “POV” presentation provide a unique window into the various issues, thanks largely to the personalities involved.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

See above re: superhuman levels of self-delusion that typically function as an asset.

From Slate • Jul. 24, 2025

"We live twin lives of self-delusion, thinking and hoping we are good people and secretly knowing we’re probably not."

From Salon • Nov. 22, 2023

Our lives, even our most intimate ones, Hill suggests, are susceptible to a series of false narratives, propped up by conspiracy theories, placebo effects and self-delusion.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2023

This was Teller’s self-delusion talking, not his judgment.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik