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

Example Sentences

She was diagnosed with delusional paranoia.

I had to admit that my fears were just paranoia.

Recent Examples on the Web

This wave of fear and paranoia, naturally, began showing up in LGBTQ pop culture. —Stephen Daw, Billboard, 16 Feb. 2023

That foundation is vital before introducing any psychoactive substances, which can stir up momentary fear, confusion, panic or paranoia in the human brain. —Tree Meinch, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2021

Trump's refusal to accept the results of the 2020 presidential election has helped fuel the culture of skepticism, paranoia and conspiracy theories currently enveloping U.S. elections. —CBS News, 23 Feb. 2023

But while paranoia and despair run deep, the dark comedy also trades in a self-aware sense of humor that can be liberating. —Dallas News, 22 Feb. 2023

However, the case is sparking a national conversation about postpartum mental health, as some mothers share their own stories of hallucinations, paranoia and suicidal thoughts after childbirth. —Jenna Ryu, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2023

Left with little guidance from local officials, and increasing reports of health concerns, paranoia and distrust is growing in the community, especially after authorities last week arrested a journalist covering the derailment. —Tori Otten, The New Republic, 14 Feb. 2023

And this dependence on publicity breeds paranoia and resentment within the family. —Meredith Blakestaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2023

Delta 8 is more potent and can cause paranoia and anxiety in high doses. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2022

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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 disorder 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