Definition of "ego" []

• The self, especially as distinct from the world and other selves. (noun)
• In psychoanalysis, the division of the psyche that is conscious, most immediately controls thought and behavior, and is most in touch with external reality. (noun)
• An exaggerated sense of self-importance; conceit. (noun)
• Appropriate pride in oneself; self-esteem. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "As a concept, self-esteem can be traced to Freud, who used the term ego ideal."
• "Over the last two and a half years we searched 2,190 news articles mainly business-related that used the word ego in any way."
• "The word ego comes from Latin, where it means “I, myself.”"