paranoia

noun

para·​noia ˌper-ə-ˈnȯi-ə How to pronounce paranoia (audio)
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 How to pronounce paranoia (audio)
-ˈnȯi-ik
ˌpa-rə-
adjective or noun
or less commonly paranoic
ˌper-ə-ˈnȯi(-i)k How to pronounce paranoia (audio)
-ˈnō-ik,
ˌpa-rə-
paranoically
ˌper-ə-ˈnȯi(-i)-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce paranoia (audio)
-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 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'paranoia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of paranoia was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near paranoia

Cite this Entry

“Paranoia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paranoia. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

paranoia

noun
para·​noia ˌpar-ə-ˈnȯi-ə How to pronounce paranoia (audio)
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 How to pronounce paranoia (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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