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egoism
noun
ego·ism
ˈē-gə-ˌwi-zəm
-gō-ˌi-,
also ˈe-
1
a
: a doctrine that individual self-interest is the actual motive of all conscious action
b
: a doctrine that individual self-interest is the valid end of all actions
2
: excessive concern for oneself with or without exaggerated feelings of self-importance compare egotism sense 2
Synonyms
Examples of egoism in a Sentence
because of her egoism, she never gave a thought to asking how the others felt
Recent Examples on the Web
Psychological egoism is at play here, too, with Jimmy’s extreme emotional investment in getting Grace help.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024
Orwell feared those who would deprive us of information, Huxley feared those who would give us so much that we would be reduced to passivity and egoism.
—Sean Illing, Vox, 11 Aug. 2024
Instead, Trump is motivated primarily by mercantilist instincts and egoism.
—Victor Cha, Foreign Affairs, 26 June 2024
The pain, the social climbing, the lack of ethics, and the post-war, orgiastic egoism are what the work is really about.
—Christian Lewis, Variety, 26 Apr. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Dictionary Entries Near egoism
Cite this Entry
“Egoism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/egoism. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
egoism
noun
ego·ism
ˈē-gə-ˌwiz-əm
: excessive interest in oneself : a self-centered attitude
egoist
noun
-wəst
egoistic
adjective
ˌē-gə-ˈwis-tik
egoistically
adverb
-ˈwis-ti-k(ə-)lē
Medical Definition
egoism
noun
ego·ism
ˈē-gə-ˌwiz-əm also ˈeg-ə-
1
a
: a doctrine that individual self-interest is the actual motive of all conscious action
b
: a doctrine that individual self-interest is the valid end of all actions
2
: excessive concern for oneself without exaggerated feelings of self-importance compare egotism
More from Merriam-Webster on egoism
Nglish: Translation of egoism for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of egoism for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about egoism
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