The answer to the crossword puzzle is 'EGOS', which stands for an inflated sense of self-importance. Ego is a term used in psychology to refer to a person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance. It is often seen as a defense mechanism, where people use it to protect themselves from feeling inadequate or inferior. In some cases, people may have an overly inflated ego, which can lead to feelings of superiority and entitlement.