n.
Pronunciation: ' ē -g ə - ˌ wi-z ə m, -g ō - ˌ i- also ' e-
Function: noun
Date: 1800
1 a : a doctrine that individual self-interest is the actual motive of all conscious action b : a doctrine that individual self-interest is the valid end of all actions
2 : excessive concern for oneself with or without exaggerated feelings of self-importance ― compare EGOTISM 2