delusional

[ dih-loo-zhuh-nl ]

adjective

1. having false or unrealistic beliefs or opinions:

   Senators who think they will get agreement on a comprehensive tax bill are delusional.

2. Psychiatry. maintaining fixed false beliefs even when confronted with facts, usually as a result of mental illness:

   He was so delusional and paranoid that he thought everybody was conspiring against him.

Word History and Origins

Origin of delusional¹

First recorded in 1850–60; delusion ( def ) + -al ¹( def )

Example Sentences

But, of course, it's only in the delusional alternative universe where Republicans live that the "status quo" is a space where victims of sexual violence typically see justice.

From Salon

Describing himself as “young, aspirational and delusional”, Stephens said he would discourage anyone from reaching the same heights without a support system in place.

From BBC

Trump mostly ignored the intricate conspiracy-tracing in favor of sweeping claims about hordes of criminals and mental patients being shipped to the U.S., and delusional narratives about "the late, great Hannibal Lecter."

From Salon

Most recently, Wilson wrote Thursday that her father is a “delusional and grubby little control freak who hasn’t matured as a person for 38 years.”

From Los Angeles Times

He called the former president “delusional,” “completely unmoored. Unhinged.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• unrealistic