/ee"geuh tiz'euhm, eg"euh-/ , n.
1. excessive and objectionable reference to oneself in conversation or writing; conceit; boastfulness.
2. selfishness; self-centeredness; egoism.
[ 1705-15; ego EGO + -ISM; -t- perh. after DESPOTISM, IDIOTISM 2 ]
Syn. 1. EGOTISM, EGOISM refer to preoccupation with one's ego or self. EGOTISM is the common word for obtrusive and excessive reference to and emphasis upon oneself and one's own importance: His egotism alienated all his friends. EGOISM, a less common word, is used especially in philosophy, ethics, or metaphysics, where it emphasizes the importance of or preoccupation with self in relation to other things: sufficient egoism to understand one's central place in the universe. See also pride .
Ant. 1. humility, modesty, altruism.