solipsism

[ sol-ip-siz-uh m ]
/ ˈsɒl ɪpˌsɪz əm /

noun

Philosophy. the theory that only the self exists, or can be proved to exist.
extreme preoccupation with and indulgence of one's feelings, desires, etc.; egoistic self-absorption.

Origin of solipsism

1880–85; sol(i)-1 + Latin ips(e) self + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM solipsism

sol·ip·sis·mal, adjective sol·ip·sist, noun, adjective sol·ip·sis·tic [sol-ip-sis-tik] /ˌsɒl ɪpˈsɪs tɪk/, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH solipsism

solecism solipsism

Example sentences from the Web for solipsism

British Dictionary definitions for solipsism

solipsism
/ (ˈsɒlɪpˌsɪzəm) /

noun

philosophy the extreme form of scepticism which denies the possibility of any knowledge other than of one's own existence

Derived forms of solipsism

solipsist, noun, adjective solipsistic, adjective

Word Origin for solipsism

C19: from Latin sōlus alone + ipse self

Cultural definitions for solipsism

solipsism
[ (sol-uhp-siz-uhm, soh-luhp-siz-uhm) ]

The belief that all reality is just one's own imagining of reality, and that one's self is the only thing that exists.