When did they change the meaning of delusion?

Question

It used to be 'a belief that no rational person could possibly hold'

Nowdays it seems to mean 'A belief not held by Richard Dawkins'

Answer 1

Right after Darwin thought of evolution.

Answer 2

Your definitions are both incorrect. Try these....

Definitions of delusion on the Web:

A delusion is commonly defined as a fixed false belief and is used in everyday language to describe a belief that is either false, fanciful or derived from deception. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delusion

A false idea typically originating from a misinterpretation but firmly believed and strongly maintained in spite of contradictory proof or evidence.
www.alzgmc.org/about_alz/glossary.htm

A false belief that persists even when a person has evidence that the belief is not true.
science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih5/mental/other/glossary.htm

"Delusion refers to belief in something that contradicts reality. In Buddhism, delusion is ... a lack of awareness of the true nature or Buddha nature of things, or of the true meaning of existence. ...
www.sinc.sunysb.edu/Clubs/buddhism/mindseal/glossary.html

(de·lu·sion) (də-loo´zhən) [L. delusio, from de from + ludus a game] a false belief that is firmly maintained in spite of incontrovertible and obvious proof or evidence to the contrary and in spite of the fact that other members of the culture do not share the belief.
www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_dorlands.jspzQzpgzEzzSzppdocszSzuszSzcommonzSzdorlandszSzdorlandzSzdmd_d_07zPzhtm

Anything that deceives the mind with a false impression, a deception, a fixed false opinion or belief that cannot be shaken by reason.
miriams-well.org/Glossary/index.html

A false belief regarding the self or the world that a person persistently holds despite clear evidence to the contrary.
www.mherc.mb.ca/gloss.html

Answer 3

Definition: A delusion is an unshakable belief in something untrue. These irrational beliefs defy normal reasoning, and remain firm even when overwhelming proof is presented to dispute them. Delusions are often accompanied by hallucinations and/or feelings of paranoia, which act to strengthen confidence in the delusion.

Nope, it's still the same definition as before. And it sounds like a few peole I know...

Answer 4

The delusional very rarely know they're delusional. You may want to take a good hard look at that. Sometimes the truth hurts, we've all been there.

Answer 5

Language evolves, but in this case, I think you may be being a tad melodramatic.

Answer 6

the definition didn't change.
And, as part of the definition, if you're delusional, you don't know that what you believe is untrue.

Answer 7

Hmmm....ahh.....Okey.

Answer 8

Give the man a cookie. I applaud you.

Answer 9

Isn't he your god???