delusion
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/dɪˈluːʒən/
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A firmly held false belief that resists contrary evidence, and a general unfounded opinion, both describing ideas that are not supported by facts.
Examples
The rumor that the company will close was just a delusion among employees.
His claim that the Earth is flat is a delusion that ignores scientific proof.
The patient’s delusion that the doctors were plotting against him persisted despite reassurance.
His delusion that he could finish the marathon without training was unrealistic.
Despite evidence, his delusion that the house was haunted remained.
Similar words
misconception
misbelief
illusion
false notion
misunderstanding
hallucination
error
misconception
fantasy
false belief
Meanings
Examples
The patient’s delusion that the doctors were plotting against him persisted despite reassurance.
She clung to the delusion of being a famous singer even after failing auditions.
His delusions about being invincible led him to take dangerous risks.
The therapist noted the delusion of grandeur in his speech.
Despite evidence, his delusion that the house was haunted remained.
The court considered his delusion as a factor in the verdict.
She whispered her delusion to anyone who would listen, hoping for validation.
Similar words
misbelief
false belief
hallucination
misconception
self‑deception
fantasy
illusion
error
Examples
His claim that the Earth is flat is a delusion that ignores scientific proof.
The rumor that the company will close was just a delusion among employees.
She dismissed the delusion that the new policy would increase salaries.
The investor’s delusion about guaranteed returns led to losses.
Calling the celebrity’s scandal a delusion downplays the real facts.
His delusion that he could finish the marathon without training was unrealistic.
The media spread the delusion that the storm would miss the coast.
Similar words
misconception
fallacy
error
false notion
mistaken idea
misunderstanding
myth
superstition
Etymology
From Middle English delusioun, from Late Latin dēlūsiōn‑, from Latin dēlūdere meaning to deceive.
FAQ
What does delusion mean in psychology?
It is a fixed false belief that persists despite clear evidence to the contrary.
How is delusion different from illusion?
A delusion is a belief, while an illusion is a misperception of sensory information.
Can delusion be used for everyday mistakes?
Usually no; for ordinary errors use words like mistake or misconception.
What is the plural form of delusion?
The regular plural is delusions.
Where does the word delusion come from?
It derives from Middle English delusioun, from Late Latin dēlūsiōn‑, from Latin dēlūdere meaning to deceive.
Is delusion always a mental disorder?
No, it can describe any false belief, though in clinical contexts it refers to a symptom of a disorder.
How do you pronounce delusion?
It is pronounced /dɪˈluːʒən/.
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