cognitive dissonance
noun
Meaning
The mental conflict or discomfort experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time.
Examples
- The politician experienced intense cognitive dissonance when forced to support a policy that violated his personal moral code.
- Smokers often manage their cognitive dissonance by downplaying the scientific evidence regarding the health risks of tobacco.
Synonyms: mental conflict, inner conflict, inconsistency, psychological stress