Delusion
/dɪˈluːʒən/
nounC1
Definition
Delusion means believing in something that is not real or true, even when there is clear evidence against it. It is often used to describe a wrong idea or belief that someone cannot change, even when others try to explain the truth.
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See It in Action
A false belief held strongly despite evidence
- •He had the delusion that he was a famous actor, but no one knew him.
- •The patient suffered from delusions that people were following him.
- •Her delusion made her refuse to accept help from others.
A mistaken idea or impression about reality
- •People often have the delusion that money brings happiness.
- •The delusion that the problem will solve itself is dangerous.
- •His delusion about his skills caused problems at work.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "delusion" like "wrong belief," but much stronger—it's a belief that does not change even when you see facts
- ✓Picture someone wearing glasses that make everything look different from reality, so they see things that are not really there
- ✓It's the feeling when you strongly believe something that others say is not true, like thinking you can fly without wings
- ✓Sounds like "de-LOO-zhun" → imagine someone shouting "No, it's true!" even though it clearly is not
- ✓In stories, characters with delusions often act on false ideas and cannot see the real world clearly
- ✓NOT like "mistake" (which can be corrected easily)—a delusion stays even when corrected
- ✓NOT like "imagination" (which is created on purpose)—a delusion is a false belief the person thinks is real
- ✓NOT like "illusion" (which is a trick seen by the eyes)—a delusion is a trick in the mind, a wrong belief
Try Other Words
- •Illusion: a false image or idea, often seen or imagined (Use when talking about visual or sensory tricks rather than beliefs)
- •Misbelief: wrong or false belief (Use for less strong, more general wrong ideas)
- •Fantasy: an imagined story or idea not real (Use when the belief is more like a wish or dream, not a fixed false belief)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "de-" (away, off) + "lusion" (from Latin "ludere" meaning to play or mock) → meaning a "playing away" or trick on the mind
- •Etymology: From Latin "deludere," meaning to deceive or trick
- •Historical development: Used first in the 1600s to mean a trick or false belief that fools the mind
- •Modern usage: Used in psychology and everyday language to describe strong false beliefs that are not true but firmly held
Reflect & Connect
•Can a person have a delusion without knowing it? How would that affect their life?
•How do people around someone with a delusion usually react, and what can they do to help?
Fill in the blanks
1.A delusion often continues ___ even when many people show ___ evidence against it.
2.When someone has a delusion, they strongly believe ___ that is not true.
3.Unlike a simple mistake, a delusion is hard to ___ or change.
4.The phrase "delusions of grandeur" means someone believes they are ___ or more important than they really are.
5.A delusion is different from an illusion because an illusion tricks the ___, while a delusion tricks the ___.
6.People with delusions may ___ their false beliefs even when others explain the truth.
7.Sometimes, a delusion causes a person to act in ways that ___ others around them.