Final answer:
The root 'delus' in the term 'delusion' means to believe falsely or to deceive.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is derived from the Latin word 'deludere', which means 'to mock'. The term 'delusion' is commonly used in psychology and psychiatry to refer to a fixed false belief or a misinterpretation of reality.
Delusions can take various forms and are often associated with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or delusional disorder. They can include beliefs that are grandiose, paranoid, or bizarre. For example, someone with paranoid delusions may believe that they are being followed or that they have extraordinary powers.
It is important to note that delusions are distinct from illusions and hallucinations. Illusions are misperceptions or misinterpretations of real stimuli, while hallucinations involve perceiving things that are not there at all. In summary, the root 'delus' in the term 'delusion' means to believe falsely or to deceive. Delusions are fixed false beliefs or misinterpretations of reality and are commonly seen in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.