paranoia

noun

para·noia | \ ˌper-ə-ˈnȯi-ə

, ˌpa-rə-\

Definition of paranoia

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

Other Words from paranoia More Example Sentences Learn More about paranoia

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Other Words from paranoia

paranoiac \ ˌper-ə-ˈnȯi-ˌak

, -ˈnȯi-ik , ˌpa-rə- \ or less commonly paranoic \ ˌper-ə-ˈnȯi(-i)k

, -ˈnō-ik , ˌpa-rə- \ adjective or noun

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

Yet today’s climate of paranoia has much deeper roots. — J.c. Pan, The New Republic, "Democratic Rot and the Origins of American Conspiracism," 3 July 2019 Others have added a healthy dose of paranoia to their daily habits. — Katy Steinmetz/ukiah, Time, "California Is Stepping Up Fire Prevention Efforts—But It Hasn't Fixed One of the Biggest Problems," 2 July 2019 After losing his brother in combat, Jacob Singer returns home from Afghanistan—only to be pulled into a mind-twisting state of paranoia. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "First trailer for Jacob’s Ladder reboot looks as spooky as the 1990 original," 2 July 2019 Aldrin’s lawsuit filed earlier this month in a Florida state court, came a week after children Andrew and Janice filed a petition claiming Aldrin suffers from memory loss, delusions, paranoia and confusion. — Washington Post, "Buzz Aldrin’s ex-manager says she’s been unfairly defamed," 26 June 2018 But Renita Pritchett and relatives say Ronald Pritchett was and still is suffering from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder which led to confusion and deadly paranoia on the night of the stabbings. — Michelle Hunter, NOLA.com, "JPSO deputy, retirement home resident put on 'Boogie Shoes'," 4 May 2018 The theory is supported by Juana's maternal grandmother, Isabella of Portugal, who apparently suffered from her own psychological issues, including paranoia, which could indicate a hereditary factor. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "What Was Catherine of Aragon's Sister, Juana la Loca, Really Like?," 10 June 2019 His latest book, published by Minnesota indie publisher Coffee House Press, is a collection of short stories that deal with art, paranoia and the dark urges that haunt even the most normal people. — Michael Schaub, latimes.com, "7 buzzworthy June books to look out for," 10 June 2019 Her father, the Mad King, was largely driven mad by paranoia that his allies and closest advisors were plotting exactly that. — Carrie Wittmer, Harper's BAZAAR, "Daenerys Is Definitely Dying in the Game of Thrones Series Finale. Here's How It Could Happen.," 19 May 2019

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.