narcissism

[ nahr-suh-siz-em ]
/ ˈnɑr səˌsɪz ɛm /

noun

inordinate fascination with oneself; excessive self-love; vanity.
Psychoanalysis. erotic gratification derived from admiration of one's own physical or mental attributes, being a normal condition at the infantile level of personality development.
Also nar·cism [nahr-siz-uh m] /ˈnɑr sɪz əm/.

Origin of narcissism

From the German word Narzissismus, dating back to 1815–25. See narcissus, -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM narcissism

nar·cis·sist, nar·cist, noun nar·cis·sis·tic, nar·cis·tic, adjective non·nar·cism, noun non·nar·cis·sism, noun

Example sentences from the Web for narcissism

British Dictionary definitions for narcissism

narcissism

narcism (ˈnɑːˌsɪzəm)

/ (ˈnɑːsɪˌsɪzəm) /

noun

an exceptional interest in or admiration for oneself, esp one's physical appearance
sexual satisfaction derived from contemplation of one's own physical or mental endowments

Derived forms of narcissism

narcissist, noun narcissistic, adjective

Word Origin for narcissism

C19: from Narcissus

Medical definitions for narcissism

narcissism
[ närsĭ-sĭz′əm ]

n.

Excessive love or admiration of oneself.
A psychological condition characterized by self-preoccupation, lack of empathy, and unconscious deficits in self-esteem.
Erotic pleasure derived from contemplation or admiration of one's own body or self, especially as a fixation on or a regression to an infantile stage of development.
The attribute of the human psyche characterized by admiration of oneself but within normal limits.

Other words from narcissism

narcis•sist n. nar′cis•sistic adj.

Cultural definitions for narcissism

narcissism
[ (nahr-suh-siz-uhm) ]

A consuming self-absorption or self-love; a type of egotism. Narcissists constantly assess their appearance, desires, feelings, and abilities.