Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act or process of deceiving oneself: "Self-deception" refers to the state of believing something that is not true, or ignoring the truth, because it is more comforting or favorable to oneself.
   • A false belief held despite evidence to the contrary: It is a misconception or illusion that one maintains, often unconsciously, to protect one's self-image, avoid discomfort, or justify one's actions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • His belief that he would get the promotion without any extra effort was pure self-deception.
  • She was under no self-deception about her chances of winning; she knew she needed to practice more.
  • The politician's claim of universal support was an obvious case of self-deception.

Advanced Usage

• "To be guilty of self-deception": To be culpable or responsible for deceiving oneself.

  • He was guilty of self-deception when he convinced himself the problem would just go away.

• "A web/cycle of self-deception": A complex or repeating pattern of deceiving oneself.

  • Her constant excuses spun a web of self-deception that was hard to break.

Variants and Related Words

• Self-deceit (n): A less common synonym for self-deception, with identical meaning.

  • His actions were rooted in self-deceit.

• Self-delusion (n): Very similar to self-deception, emphasizing the illusory or fantastical nature of the false belief.

  • Living in a state of self-delusion about his artistic talent.

Synonyms

• Delusion: A false belief or impression, especially one held persistently despite being contradicted by reality.
• Illusion: A false idea or belief, often one that is pleasing or comforting.
• Denial: Refusal to acknowledge an unacceptable truth or emotion, which is a common mechanism of self-deception.

Related Phrases

• To deceive oneself: The verbal phrase meaning to engage in self-deception.
  • You are only deceiving yourself if you think you can pass without studying.

Related Idioms

• "To be in denial": To refuse to accept a truth or reality, often a form of self-deception.

  • He's in denial about his health problems.

• "To turn a blind eye": To pretend not to notice something, often leading to or involving self-deception.

  • She turned a blind eye to the company's unethical practices, a form of self-deception to keep her job.

Noun

1. a misconception that is favorable to the person who holds it