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

… Arthur Miller dramatized the ways that a society's paranoia and fear during periods of uncertainty and change can turn into a witch hunt.

—Elaine Showalter

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

New England circa the 17th century is the setting for this enigmatic tale of an outcast Puritan family haunted by superstition, paranoia, disappearances, and the growing fear that something in the deep, dark woods surrounding their homestead is attacking their rigid faith. —Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025

Continue reading … IRON GRIP – Putin's inner circle 'falling into paranoia' as relatives rise in power ranks. —FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025

Walking among about 20 of us, Kate proudly showed off the dazzling jewels on her ring finger, and William told me about his paranoia about losing the priceless item in the African bush. —Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025

What a spy world and supernatural world would have in common was their shadows, secrets, loneliness and paranoia. —Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for paranoia

• soya

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