ego ideal

noun

: the standards, ideals, and ambitions that according to psychoanalytic theory are assimilated from the superego

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ego ideal was in 1922

Dictionary Entries Near ego ideal

Cite this Entry

“Ego ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ego%20ideal. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

ego ideal

noun
: the positive standards, ideals, and ambitions that according to psychoanalytic theory are assimilated from the superego

More from Merriam-Webster on ego ideal

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!