self-delusion

The compound "self-delusion" is a modern English formation that combines two distinct elements to create a specific psychological concept. The first element, "self," derives from the Proto-Germanic selbaz, meaning "self," and has remained remarkably stable in its reference to one's own identity. The second element, "delusion," originates from the Latin verb 'deludere,' meaning "to play false, to deceive," itself composed of 'de-' (down, away) and 'ludere' (to play). The literal sense of "playing someone false" evolved into the abstract notion of holding a persistent false belief. Therefore, "self-delusion" logically describes the act wherein one's own mind deceives itself, maintaining a belief not aligned with reality, often for comfort or self-preservation.

Structure: self (own) + delusion (false belief) self: Old English, meaning "one's own person." It functions as a prefix indicating something directed at, performed by, or concerning oneself. delusion: From Latin 'delusio' (a deceiving), from 'deludere' (to deceive). It functions as the core noun meaning a false belief.