SELF-DECEPTION

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does self-deception mean? 

• SELF-DECEPTION (noun)
  The noun SELF-DECEPTION has 1 sense:

1. a misconception that is favorable to the person who holds it

  Familiarity information: SELF-DECEPTION used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SELF-DECEPTION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A misconception that is favorable to the person who holds it

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Synonyms:

self-deceit; self-deception

Hypernyms ("self-deception" is a kind of...):

misconception (an incorrect conception)

 Context examples 

Her mind, disposition, opinions, and habits wanted no half-concealment, no self-deception on the present, no reliance on future improvement.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

To such perseverance in wilful self-deception Elizabeth would make no reply, and immediately and in silence withdrew; determined, if he persisted in considering her repeated refusals as flattering encouragement, to apply to her father, whose negative might be uttered in such a manner as to be decisive, and whose behaviour at least could not be mistaken for the affectation and coquetry of an elegant female.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)