Delusion: meaning, definitions and examples

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delusion

[dɪˈluːʒ(ə)n ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mental health

A delusion is a belief that is clearly false and that indicates an abnormality in the affected person's content of thought.

Synonyms

fantasy, hallucination, illusion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
delusion	Used when someone firmly believes in something that is false, especially in a way that is irrational or not based on reality. Often associated with mental health issues. She suffered from the delusion that she was being watched. Despite all evidence to the contrary, he maintained his delusion of grandeur.
hallucination	Refers to perceiving things that are not there, typically as a result of illness or drug use. This word has a medical connotation. After taking the medication, he started to experience hallucinations of brightly colored animals. The patient reported hearing voices that no one else could hear, suggesting auditory hallucinations.
illusion	Used when something deceives the senses or presents a false appearance. This can involve optical tricks or misleading situations. The magician's act created the illusion of sawing his assistant in half. The road looked wet due to the heat, but it was just an illusion.
fantasy	Used when describing imaginative thoughts or dreams that are not real. Often connected with creative ideas or daydreams. He has a fantasy of becoming a famous rock star. The book is set in a rich fantasy world filled with magic and mythical creatures.

Examples of usage

He is currently experiencing delusions of persecution.
She has delusions of grandeur.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

A delusion can also refer to a persistent false belief held in the face of strong contradictory evidence, especially as a symptom of psychiatric disorder.

Synonyms

error, fallacy, misconception.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
delusion	A delusion is a strongly held belief that is not true or grounded in reality, often associated with mental health issues. 'He has a delusion that he is being followed by secret agents '
misconception	A misconception is an incorrect understanding or interpretation of a fact or concept, often due to misinformation or lack of knowledge. 'There is a common misconception that lightning never strikes the same place twice '
fallacy	A fallacy is a mistaken belief or flawed argument based on unsound reasoning, often in logical or philosophical contexts. 'The argument that vaccines cause autism is a common fallacy '
error	An error is a mistake or incorrect decision, often used in contexts where a wrong action or thought has occurred. 'The report contained several errors that needed correction '

Examples of usage

His delusion that he was a famous celebrity was shattered when no one recognized him.
The patient's delusions were a barrier to seeking treatment.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Delusions are often seen in mental health conditions, like schizophrenia, where people might believe they are being persecuted.
They can vary greatly, from simple misunderstandings to complex beliefs about reality, often challenging to treat.
Understanding delusions helps us learn about the brain and how it processes information, influencing our perception of reality.

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'deludere,' meaning 'to deceive,' combining 'de-' (down) and 'ludere' (to play).
Initially used in the 14th century, its usage in a psychological context developed in the late 19th century.
Its evolution showcases the shift from literal interpretation to a more abstract understanding of mental states.

Pop Culture

Delusion is a common theme in literature and film, often portrayed in characters who struggle with their perceptions, like in 'Fight Club.'
Many songs explore the idea of delusion, reflecting on love and life’s illusions, providing a relatable cultural commentary.
Reality TV shows sometimes play on the concept, where contestants may develop delusions about their fame and success.

Philosophy

Philosophers have debated the nature of reality and what constitutes a delusion, questioning the boundary between belief and truth.
The concept often ties into discussions about human perception and the subjective nature of experience, highlighting how we might be misled by our senses.
Famous philosophers like Descartes pondered delusions in the context of doubt, prompting individuals to question what they truly know.

Science

Research into the neurological basis of delusions suggests connections to specific brain areas, emphasizing the importance of brain chemistry.
Studies found that delusions might arise due to misinterpretation of sensory input, showing how the brain constructs our reality.
Advances in neuroscience are uncovering how treatments can help to realign thoughts and perceptions in individuals experiencing delusions.

Translations

Translations of the word "delusion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 delírio

🇮🇳 भ्रम

🇩🇪 Wahn

🇮🇩 delusi

🇺🇦 ілюзія

🇵🇱 złudzenie

🇯🇵 妄想

🇫🇷 délire

🇪🇸 delirio

🇹🇷 sanrı

🇰🇷 망상

🇸🇦 هذيان

🇨🇿 blud

🇸🇰 klam

🇨🇳 错觉

🇸🇮 zabloda

🇮🇸 ofskur

🇰🇿 жалған

🇬🇪 მოჩვენება

🇦🇿 xəyal

🇲🇽 delirio

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,261, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
11258 sieve
11259 carving
11260 contacting
11261 delusion
11262 commensurate
11263 pernicious
11264 obscurity
...