ˈē]gəˌwizəm, -(ˌ)gōˌiz- sometimes ˈe] noun
( -s )
Etymology: French égoïsme, from New Latin egoismus, from Latin ego I + -ismus -ism — more at i
1.
a.
(1) : the philosophic doctrine of some Cartesians and Fichteans that all the elements of knowledge are in the ego and the relations that it implies or provides for
(2) : solipsism
b. : the philosophic doctrine (as that held by Fichte) that identifies ultimate reality with an absolute ego
2.
a. : the ethical doctrine that individual self-interest is the actual motive of all conscious action — called also psychological egoism
b. : the ethical doctrine that individual self-interest is the valid end of all action — called also ethical egoism ; compare altruism
3.
[by alteration]
: egotism
4. : excessive libidinization of the ego — compare narcissism
Synonyms: see conceit