From the Latin for I, the "I" or "self"
conceptualized as the central core around which all psychic activities revolve.
Also, one of the components in the Freudian tripartite model of the psychic
apparatus (along with the id and superego). In this conceptualization the ego
serves as an executive who functions adaptively to maintain psychic balance.
Today, the ego is conceived of as a kind of psychological touchstone that serves
as a basis for one's interests, values, attitudes, desires, etc. This is the
meaning captured in terms like egocentric, egoistic, and egotistical.