egoic

Egoic is an adjective used to describe phenomena or states associated with the ego—the sense of a distinct, separate self. In psychology and spirituality, egoic describes thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that arise from identification with the self and the desire to protect or enhance that self-image, rather than from detached or expansive awareness.

Etymology: Derived from the Latin ego meaning “I,” with the suffix -ic, the term has been used in various fields to signal a relation to the ego. Its use became common in spiritual and self-help discourse in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, though the concept has older roots in psychoanalytic and philosophical discussions of the self.

In psychology and philosophy, egoic processes refer to cognitive and affective activities governed by self-concept and social status concerns. Within psychoanalytic or humanistic frameworks, these processes are contrasted with more mature or self-transcending modes of functioning, which are often described as less tied to a defensive or separative self-image.

In spiritual and contemporary self-help contexts, egoic is often used to denote the immature or defensive aspects of the ego that fuel fear, judgment, attachment, and reactivity. Proponents describe ways to observe, soften, or transcend egoic patterns to cultivate present-mensed awareness, compassion, or a sense of unity beyond the self.

Criticism: The term lacks a precise, universally accepted definition and can blur with related terms such as egocentric or egotistical. It is more common in popular or spiritual discourse than in formal psychology, and its meaning can vary by author.