Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Psychoanalysis) The conscious mind: In psychoanalytic theory, the "ego" is the part of the psyche that mediates between the conscious and unconscious, and is responsible for reality testing and a sense of personal identity.
   • The self, especially as distinct from the world and other selves: "Ego" refers to a person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance; one's conscious thinking self.
   • An inflated feeling of pride in one's superiority to others: In common usage, "ego" often denotes excessive pride or self-centeredness.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • In Freud's model, the ego must balance the demands of the id and the superego.
  • His ego was bruised by the criticism.
  • She has a huge ego and is always talking about her achievements.

Advanced Usage

• "Ego trip": An activity or pattern of behavior undertaken primarily to boost one's self-esteem or for self-gratification.
  • Running for office was just an ego trip for him.
• "Alter ego": A second self or a very close and trusted friend who seems almost like a different version of oneself.
  • The superhero's alter ego is a mild-mannered reporter.
• "Ego death": A complete loss of subjective self-identity, often discussed in spiritual, philosophical, or psychedelic contexts.
  • The meditation retreat aimed to facilitate a profound experience of ego death.

Variants and Related Words

• Egoism (n): An ethical theory that treats self-interest as the foundation of morality. More generally, it can mean excessive concern for oneself.
• Egocentric (adj): Thinking only of oneself, without regard for the feelings or desires of others; self-centered.
• Egotism (n): The practice of talking and thinking about oneself excessively because of an undue sense of self-importance.

Synonyms

• Self: The entire person of an individual.
• Self-esteem: Confidence in one's own worth or abilities.
• Pride: A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements.
• Conceit: Excessive pride in oneself.

Related Phrases

• Boost someone's ego: To make someone feel more confident or proud.
  • The compliment really boosted her ego.
• Ego boost (n): Something that increases one's confidence or pride.
  • Winning the award was a real ego boost.
• Check your ego: To stop being so arrogant or self-centered.
  • He needs to check his ego and start listening to his team.

Related Idioms

• "Ego the size of a house": Used to describe someone who is extremely arrogant or has an inflated sense of self-importance.
  • The new manager has an ego the size of a house.
• "To stroke someone's ego": To say nice things to someone to make them feel more important or proud.
  • He's always stroking the boss's ego.

Noun

1. (psychoanalysis) the conscious mind
2. your consciousness of your own identity
3. an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others