self-aggrandizement

[ self-uh-gran-diz-muhnt, self- ]

noun

1. increase of one's own power, wealth, etc., usually aggressively.

self-aggrandizement

noun

1. the act of increasing one's own power, importance, etc, esp in an aggressive or ruthless manner

Derived Forms

• ˌself-agˈgranˌdizing, adjective

Other Words From

• self-ag·gran·diz·ing [self, -, uh, -, gran, -dahy-zing], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-aggrandizement¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

He framed humor as an act of self-aggrandizement premised on the debasement of others.

From Salon

Strip away the politics and his biography, and any person who would spend time with the man would come to the same conclusion: he’s a sick person, devoid of any moral system beyond relentless self-aggrandizement.

From Salon

If Trump did not have the ego and psychological self-aggrandizement issues that he has, he would be making deals right now.

From Salon

And after years of flaunting ostentatious success and being denied her phoenix survivor era, “Where is Wendy Williams?” might give her that, along with a purpose beyond retribution, redemption or self-aggrandizement.

From Salon

Accompanied by a trio of louche, bespangled “Hunnies,” he first puts Morton through a recap of his life, with an emphasis on his lies, betrayals and musicological self-aggrandizement.

From New York Times

Related Words

• arrogance
• narcissism
• self-absorption
• selfishness