Narcissism refers to a personality trait characterized by an excessive preoccupation with oneself, including a strong sense of entitlement, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. People exhibiting narcissistic behaviors often have an inflated sense of their own importance and may seek constant validation from others. This trait can manifest in both mild forms, such as self-centeredness, and more severe forms, leading to narcissistic personality disorder.
The term "narcissism" derives from the name Narcissus, a character from Greek mythology who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. The suffix "-ism" denotes a characteristic or condition, so it refers to the condition of being like Narcissus.