paranoia

para·noia

noun \ˌper-ə-ˈnȯi-ə, ˌpa-rə-\

Definition of PARANOIA

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

— para·noi·ac \-ˈnȯi-ˌak, -ˈnȯi-ik\ also para·noic \-ˈnȯi(-i)k, -ˈnō-ik\ adjective or noun

— para·noi·cal·ly \-ˈnȯi(-i)-k(ə-)lē, -ˈnō-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of PARANOIA

1. She was diagnosed with delusional paranoia.
2. I had to admit that my fears were just paranoia.

Origin of PARANOIA

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

First Known Use: circa 1811

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal