self-aggrandizement

[ self-uh-gran-diz-muh nt, self- ]

/ ˈsɛlf əˈgræn dɪz mənt, ˌsɛlf- /

increase of one's own power, wealth, etc., usually aggressively.

Origin of self-aggrandizement

First recorded in 1790–1800

self-ag·gran·diz·ing

[self-uh-gran-dahy-zing] /ˈsɛlf əˈgræn daɪ zɪŋ/, adjective

She took a drubbing, fielding accusations of self-aggrandizement from the financial press and fans alike.

Can Suze Orman Save America? |Adam Auriemma |November 10, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
Self-aggrandizement via letting others depend on you can be a poor substitute for a sense of your own accomplishments.

Horoscopes: May 8-14 |Starsky + Cox |May 7, 2011 |DAILY BEAST
His career was not tarnished with bold strides of misguided ambition or base attempts at self-aggrandizement.

Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution |L. Carroll Judson
Anger, fear, resignation, and greedy little thoughts of self-aggrandizement.

The Honored Prophet |William E. Bentley

But jealous seekers after self-aggrandizement plotted against his rule and even attempted his life.

The History of Cuba, vol. 2 |Willis Fletcher Johnson
While they reasoned thus, the temptations of graft and self-aggrandizement overtook some of the leaders.

Indian Heroes and Great Chieftains |[AKA Ohiyesa], Charles A. Eastman
The motives of self-aggrandizement by force of arms appear to be innate in human nature.

Martyria |Augustus C. Hamlin

self-aggrandizement

the act of increasing one's own power, importance, etc, esp in an aggressive or ruthless manner

self-aggrandizing, adjective