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

And justlikethat, this has been the prevailing headline in local news reports ever since as paranoia surges across social media. —Kansas City Star, 9 May 2026

But some studies point to health and psychological risks, such as IQ loss, heart issues and temporary paranoia and hallucinations. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 9 May 2026

The intelligence assessment also claims that Putin is in a heightened state of paranoia, fearing assassination or a possible coup, and has limited his travel and public appearances. —Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 8 May 2026

The unintended, or in some cases intended, consequences are that the do-it-yourself conspiracy platforms encourage paranoia and conspiracism. —Matthew N. Hannah, The Conversation, 8 May 2026

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