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hubris

/ˈhjuːbrɪs/  ·  say it: HYU·bris

excessive pride that leads to a character's downfall

In Literary English

In more detail

1. (noun) excessive pride or arrogance, especially when it leads to a downfall

2. (noun) in ancient Greek tragedy, excessive pride that offends the gods and brings punishment

Examples

• 1. His hubris led him to believe he was invincible, which ultimately caused his failure.
• 2. The tragic hero's hubris in the play brings about his tragic end.

Nearby in Literary English

epigraph, epithet, frame narrative, interior monologue, leitmotif, malapropism