Delusion
/dɪˈluːʒən/
Definitions
A false belief or opinion about something.
/dɪˈluːʒən/
A belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality or rational argument.
He was under the delusion that he could fly.
💡 Simply: Imagine your brain is playing a trick on you, and you believe something that's not true, even when people show you it's not. Like thinking you can fly even though gravity will immediately say otherwise.
👶 For kids: A delusion is when you believe something that is not true, like thinking you have superpowers when you don't.
More Examples
Her delusion led her to make some poor decisions.
The treatment aims to dispel the patient's delusions.
How It's Used
"He suffered from the delusion that he was the Emperor of the Universe."
"The novel explored the protagonist's descent into a world of delusions."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
under the delusion that
Believing something that is false.
"He was under the delusion that his team was going to win the championship, despite their poor performance."
a self-delusion
A delusion that one creates for oneself.
"The politician's actions were fueled by a self-delusion about his own importance."
From Latin *delusio* ('a deceiving, tricking'), from *deludere* ('to deceive'), from *de-* ('away') + *ludere* ('to play').
Historically, 'delusion' has been used to describe both religious and psychological phenomena, often referencing errors in judgment or thought.
Memory tip
Think of 'illusion' but it's so strong it's a 'de-illusion', and can be very difficult to treat.
Word Origin
"to deceive"