húbris is a Greek notion most commonly translated as “excessive pride typically of a religious nature”, It refers to a behavior or intense emotion driven by passions, especially pride and arrogance, as well as an excess of power and the dizziness that arises from excessive success. The Greeks contrasted it with temperance and moderation, which involve self-awareness and an understanding of one’s limitations.

In ancient Greece, from a legal standpoint, Hubris referred to a violent transgressive act considered a crime. This concept covered violations such as assault, sexual aggression, and the theft of public or sacred property. Two well-known examples are the speeches of Demosthenes, Against Midias and Against Conon, which were pleas dealing with public accusations of “outrages” (γραφὴ ὕβρεως / graphḕ húbreōs). Philosophically and morally, it represents the temptation of excess or reckless folly in humans, tempted to rival the gods. In Greek mythology, such actions often led to severe punishments inflicted by the gods.