paranoia

noun

para·​noia ˌper-ə-ˈnȯi-ə 

ˌpa-rə-

1

: mental illness characterized by systematized delusions of persecution or grandeur usually without hallucinations

Psychotic symptoms and paranoia persisted, and she continued to "find clues" of conspiracy against her.

—Helen K. Delichatsios et al.

2

: a tendency on the part of an individual or group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others

The members of America's racist right inhabit a murky world of conspiracy, suspicion, and paranoia.

—Wayne King

paranoiac

ˌper-ə-ˈnȯi-ˌak 

-ˈnȯi-ik

ˌpa-rə-

adjective or noun

or less commonly paranoic

ˌper-ə-ˈnȯi(-i)k 

-ˈnō-ik,

ˌpa-rə-

paranoically

ˌper-ə-ˈnȯi(-i)-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈnō-i-k(ə-)lē

ˌpa-rə-

adverb

Examples of paranoia in a Sentence

She was diagnosed with delusional paranoia.

I had to admit that my fears were just paranoia.

Recent Examples on the Web

As his paranoia takes hold, the God of Gods — seeing signs everywhere — starts to dangerously self-destruct. —Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 28 June 2024

But this is also why my own doctor keeps telling me to stop googling my symptoms and lurking my health condition subreddits (shoutout to r/POTS): The paranoia to internet stranger-validation pipeline is not unlike how conspiracy theories and misinformation spread online. —Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 27 June 2024

Long-term pot users also experienced paranoia, panic disorder and generalized fear, though. —Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 22 June 2024

As her paranoia spirals out of control, Enid must contend with her mounting suspicion that something is seriously wrong with her. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 17 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, madness, from paranous demented, from para- + nous mind

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

paranoia

noun

para·​noia ˌpar-ə-ˈnȯi-ə 

1

: a serious mental illness marked especially by feelings of persecution or an exaggerated sense of one's own importance usually without hallucinations

2

: a tendency toward being overly suspicious and distrustful

Medical Definition

paranoia

noun

para·​noia ˌpar-ə-ˈnȯi-ə 

1

: a psychosis characterized by systematized delusions of persecution or grandeur usually without hallucinations

2

: a tendency on the part of an individual or group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others