Delusion

usgb/dɪˈluːʒn/
noun

A belief that is not true or real, especially when it is caused by mental illness.

He suffers from delusions of grandeur.
Visual representation of "delusion" - A belief that is not true or real, especially when it is caused by mental illness

Often appears as...

  • suffer from delusion
  • under a delusion

Usage tips

Psychological

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "delusion"
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Mental Illness Link

Delusions often indicate mental illness, especially conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Illustration for Mental Illness Link
His therapist said that his delusion is a symptom of his schizophrenia.
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Grandeur or Persecution

Delusions can involve feelings of great importance or unjust maltreatment.

Illustration for Grandeur or Persecution
She believes she's a descendant of royalty, a typical delusion of grandeur.
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Contextual nuance

In literature, 'delusion' is used to explore characters' flawed perceptions or reality.

Illustration for Contextual nuance
The protagonist's delusion fueled his misguided actions throughout the novel.
Word comparison image

Compare with

deceiterrorfallacyfalsehoodfantasyhallucinateillusionmiragemisconception
Visual representation of the word "Delusion"

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