delusion

false belief / hallucination / misconception / illusion

Noun

pl: delusions

This term describes a persistent false belief that resists logical correction. In a clinical or psychological sense, it refers to a symptom of mental illness where the individual is completely convinced of a falsehood, regardless of evidence to the contrary. In common social usage, it describes a state of self-deception or naive optimism. It carries a stronger connotation of irrationality than a simple mistake or a misunderstanding, suggesting a profound disconnect from reality.

Meanings

Noun

A belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality or rational argument.

"He suffered from the delusion that he was a secret agent for the government."

Noun

A false belief or a mistaken idea about oneself or a situation, often characterized by overconfidence or unrealistic optimism.

"The startup founders were under the delusion that their product would achieve instant global success without any marketing."

Last Updated: June 13, 2026•Report an Error