Figment

/ˈfɪɡmənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An invented story or idea.

The tale of the dragon was just a figment created to entertain the children.

A thing that someone believes to be real but that exists only in their imagination.

The monster under his bed was a mere figment of his imagination.

A fictitious idea or object.

Her fears of failure were a figment that held her back from pursuing her dreams.

From Latin 'figmentum', from 'figere' meaning 'to shape or to form'.

a figment of one's imagination

Something that is imagined and not real.

just a figment

Indicating that something perceived is not actually real.

illusion

A deceptive appearance or impression.

fantasy

The faculty or activity of imagining impossible or improbable things.

delusion

A belief that is clearly false and that indicates an abnormality in the affected person's content of thought.

A made-up story or excuse.

His excuse for being late was just a figment.

An imaginary thought that someone believes to be true.

Her fears were nothing more than a figment of her mind.