The doctrine of certain extreme adherents or disciples of Descartes and Johann Gottlieb Fichte, which finds all the elements of knowledge in the ego and the relations which it implies or provides for. [1913 Webster]
Excessive love and thought of self; the habit of regarding one's self as the center of every interest; selfishness; -- opposed to altruism. [1913 Webster]

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OXFORD DICTIONARY

egoism, n.
1 an ethical theory that treats self-interest as the foundation of morality.
2 systematic selfishness.
3 self-opinionatedness.
4 = EGOTISM.

Derivative

egoist n. egoistic adj. egoistical adj.

Etymology

F {eacute}go{iuml}sme ult. f. mod.L egoismus (as EGO)

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ROGET THESAURUS

egoism

Selfishness

N selfishness, self-love, self-indulgence, self-worship, self-interest, egotism, egoism, amour propre, nepotism, worldliness, world wisdom, illiberality, meanness, time-pleaser, time-server, tuft- hunter, fortune-hunter, jobber, worldling, egotist, egoist, monopolist, nepotist, dog in the manger, charity that begins at home, canis in praesepi, foes to nobleness, temporizer, trimmer, selfish, self-seeking, self-indulgent, self-interested, self- centered, wrapped up in self, wrapt up in self, centered in self, egotistic, egotistical, egoistical, illiberal, mean, ungenerous, narrow-minded, mercenary, venal, covetous, unspiritual, earthly, earthly-minded, mundane, worldly, worldly- minded, worldly-wise, timeserving, interested, alieni appetens sui profusus, ungenerously, to gain some private ends, from interested motives, apres nous le deluge.

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