solipsism

[sol-ip-siz-uhm]

noun

1. Philosophy.,  the theory that only the self exists, or can be proved to exist.

2. extreme preoccupation with and indulgence of one's feelings, desires, etc.; egoistic self-absorption.

solipsism

/ ˈsɒlɪpˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. philosophy the extreme form of scepticism which denies the possibility of any knowledge other than of one's own existence

solipsism

1. The belief that all reality is just one's own imagining of reality, and that one's self is the only thing that exists.

Other Word Forms

• solipsismal adjective
• solipsist noun
• solipsistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of solipsism¹

1880–85; sol(i)- ¹ + Latin ips ( e ) self + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of solipsism¹

C19: from Latin sōlus alone + ipse self

Example Sentences

What could have been reduced to jokes about Millennial solipsism instead asks him to reckon with his emotional constipation.

From Salon

Every season of “The White Lotus” studies Western solipsism, the American strain in particular.

From Salon

Or perhaps it’s progress, moving from solipsism to community.

From Los Angeles Times

But the 11th season's pandemic response tapped a swollen vein of solipsism and antipathy running under our collective skin.

From Salon

Koch was implicitly raising what I call the solipsism problem, to which I will return.

From Scientific American

Related Words

• egoism 
• self-containment 
• subjectivity