[hyoo-bris, hoo-] 
| excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance. |
| hu·bris (hyōō'brĭs) n. Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance: "There is no safety in unlimited technological hubris" (McGeorge Bundy). [Greek, excessive pride, wanton violence; see ud- in Indo-European roots.] hu·bris'tic (-brĭs'tĭk) adj., hu·bris'tic·al·ly adv. |
hubris
in Classical Athenian usage, the intentional use of violence to humiliate or degrade. The most famous example was the case of Meidias, who punched the orator Demosthenes in the face when the latter was dressed in ceremonial robes and performing an official function. Hubris could also characterize rape. Hubris was a crime at least from the time of Solon (6th century BC), and any citizen could bring charges against another party, as was the case also for treason or impiety. (In contrast, only a member of the victim's family could bring charges for murder.)
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