delusion

views updated

de·lu·sion / diˈloōzhən/ • n. an idiosyncratic belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality or rational argument, typically a symptom of mental disorder: the delusion of being watched. ∎  the action of deluding someone or the state of being deluded.PHRASES: delusions of grandeur a false impression of one's own importance.DERIVATIVES: de·lu·sion·al / -zhənl/ adj.

More From encyclopedia.com