Wondering about the term narcissist’s meaning? We can help. Read on to discover its definition, synonyms, antonyms, origin, and more!
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Kevin
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January 13, 2022
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The word narcissist gets tossed around quite a bit in our celebrity-driven, selfie-obsessed culture. It’s often describing someone who appears to be arrogant or cocky. However, in terms of clinical mental health, narcissism doesn’t refer to self-love — at least, not in a healthy way.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a narcissist is defined as an extremely self-centered individual who has an exaggerated sense of self-importance.
While it is human nature to be selfish and boastful to a certain degree, there is a significant difference between healthy narcissism (simply being self-absorbed and difficult) and having a pathological mental illness like Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).
What Is the Origin of the Word Narcissist?
According to Vocabulary.com, the noun narcissist has an origin that stretches back to ancient Greece. Per Greek mythology, Narcissus was a hunter who was unbelievably beautiful and also just as proud of his looks, often ignoring other people around him.
One day, the vain young man rejected the desperate advances of a nymph named Echo and instead fell passionately in love with his reflection in a pool of water. Not realizing it was himself he loved so deeply, the hunter eventually died from unrequited love. After his death, the flower narcissus grew where he lay.
Despite originating more than 2,000 years ago, the concept of narcissism didn’t become well-known until the 19th century when psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud wrote about the ego and its relationship to the outside world. This revolutionary work became the starting point for many others developing theories on narcissism.
What Are Synonyms and Antonyms of the Word Narcissist?
There are many different words that you can use instead of the term “narcissist.” These are called synonyms, which are words with a similar definition as another word.
Here are some synonyms for the word narcissist from Power Thesaurus:
- Egocentric
- Egomaniac
- Egotist
- Boaster
- Swellhead
- Braggart
- Egoist
- Self-seeker
- Exhibitionist
- Show-off
- Ego-tipper
- Self-centered person
- Conceited person
There are also numerous words that mean the complete opposite of the term narcissist. These opposite words are called antonyms. This list of antonyms is also provided by Power Thesaurus:
- Generosity
- Humanitarian
- Kindness
- Philanthropist
- Beneficence
- Compassionate
- Do-gooder
- Generous
- Goodwill
- Philanthrope
- Benefactor
- Benevolence
- Humane
- Public-spirited
- Self-sacrifice
- Selflessness
- Supporter
Overall, the term narcissist is a noun and refers to someone showing symptoms of or affected by narcissism. This could look like an extremely self-centered person who has an exaggerated sense of self-importance or an individual who is overly concerned with their physical appearance.
What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?
Narcissism lies on a spectrum ranging from healthy to pathological. As mentioned, healthy narcissism is part of normal human functioning. It can represent healthy self-love and confidence or pride based on real achievements, the ability to overcome setbacks, and derive the support needed from social ties.
When a person becomes preoccupied and obsessed with themselves and needs excessive admiration and approval from others while showing no regard for other people’s sensitivities, narcissism can become a problem.
Recognized as one of several different types of personality disorders by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior characterized by:
- A sense of grandiosity
- An overinflated sense of self-importance
- A deep need for excessive attention and constant admiration
- Feelings of superiority and a sense of entitlement
- A lack of empathy for others
- Often having troubled relationships
It is estimated that up to five percent of Americans have the disorder, which can cause an individual to think, feel, and behave in ways that hurt themselves or others. While everyone is different, signs of personality disorders typically appear in the late teen years and early adulthood.
What Causes NPD?
The exact cause of NPD is unknown. However, many experts believe the disorder may result from a combination of factors that include:
- Childhood trauma
- Genetics
- Early relationships with parents, relatives, and friends
- Personality and temperament
- Hypersensitivity to textures, light, or noise in childhood
What Are the Symptoms of NPD?
To be clear, narcissism is a term commonly used to describe those who appear to be more concerned with themselves than the world around them. While narcissistic traits may be common at times, especially during adolescence, this does not necessarily mean people will develop NPD.
To clinically qualify as a narcissist, an individual needs to meet five of the nine official criteria for NPD listed below:
- Grandiose logic of self-importance
- Preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, brilliance, power, beauty, or ideal love
- The belief they are special and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people
- Need for excessive admiration
- Sense of entitlement
- Superficial and exploitative relationships
- Lack of empathy
- Often envious of others or under the impression that others are envious of them
- Demonstration of arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
How Is Narcissism Treated?
Treatment for NPD can be challenging, but therapy can often help. Medications, such as antidepressants, may also be helpful to treat the disorder, particularly in patients who experience severe symptoms and may be a risk to themselves or others, as well as patients who have other treatable psychiatric conditions.
At the end of the day, it’s important to keep in mind that NPD isn’t a personality flaw — it is a mental health condition. With treatment, a narcissist can learn healthy ways to boost their self-esteem and get along better with others to live a happy and fulfilling life.
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