rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryhubrisExcessive pride
noun

hubris

HYOO-bris/ˈhjuːbrɪs/

Excessive pride or self-confidence that can lead to failure.

Her refusal of the trolley shows hubris as the stack of plates begins to topple.

A smugly self-confident woman carries an absurdly high stack of ceramic plates, waving away a man's offered trolley as the stack tilts and its top plates begin to fall.
Etymology
hubrisGreekinsolence, outrage

Greek hybris described insolence and outrage, originally presumption toward the gods. This connects excessive self-confidence with overstepping proper limits, rather than simply feeling proud.

In context

Paramount Tactical22:37
is that not the epitome of hubris to think that you can improve on systems that are so miraculous and so complex
Unmasking Climate Engineering: The Hidden Truths You Need to Know | The Dangerous Liberty Podcast

More examples

  • The disaster exposed the company’s hubris.
  • She mistook confidence for hubris.
  • The tragedy turns on the ruler’s fatal hubris.

Forms

hubris

Similar words

pride
Pride can be justified; hubris is excessive and invites poor judgment.
arrogance
Arrogance assumes superiority; hubris particularly suggests overconfidence that leads to a downfall.