hubris

[ hyoo-bris, hoo- ]

noun

1. excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance.

hubris

/ ˈhjuːbrɪs /

noun

1. pride or arrogance
2. (in Greek tragedy) an excess of ambition, pride, etc, ultimately causing the transgressor's ruin

Derived Forms

• huˈbristic, adjective

Other Words From

• hu·bristic adjective
• nonhu·bristic adjective
• unhu·bristic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hubris¹

First recorded in 1880–85, hubris is from the Greek word hýbris insolence

Word History and Origins

Origin of hubris¹

C19: from Greek

Example Sentences

Hubris was the engine of De León’s 18-year political career.

From Los Angeles Times

"Our common history also has dark parts. The time came for unequal treaties, when hubris and the mechanical force of European countries imposed themselves around the world, and when, even disguised as a protectorate, Morocco did not escape the ambitions and the violence of colonial history," he said.

From BBC

Perhaps it was hubris that allowed the Trump campaign to insult voters with just days to go in the race.

From Salon

Hubris is the defensive arrogance designed to eclipse, disavow and compensate for any perceived “feminine” weakness.

From Salon

Empowered by his own hubris, Trump builds and borrows and beds with impunity — all with a freewheeling sense of gleeful combativeness.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• audacity
• chutzpah
• cockiness
• pretension
• vanity