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Selbstbetrug

self-deception

noun ZELPST-be-trook Rare
Mind & Emotions Mental States

Usage Note

Selbstbetrug is a psychologically loaded noun for believing something comfortable but false about oneself. Das ist doch Selbstbetrug! = 'That's just self-deception!' is a common critical utterance.

Examples

"Er wusste tief im Inneren, dass sein Optimismus reiner Selbstbetrug war."

Natural Translation

Deep down he knew his optimism was pure self-deception.

Literal Translation

He knew deep in-the interior that his optimism pure self-deception was.

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