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.
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
Wayne King
paranoiac
adjective or noun
or less commonly paranoic
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
Their paranoia is no longer hidden; it is broadcast from the headlines of state media.
—Tom Ridge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
That both films are fueled by paranoia is no coincidence.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 17 July 2025
The title effectively sums up the notions of paranoia and social fracture — and the freedoms that might be their alternative — explored throughout the 14-track project.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 15 July 2025
This lack of understanding was rooted in paranoia and suspicion after he was overthrown during his first military rule, according to Rewane.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for paranoia
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Tom Ridge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
That both films are fueled by paranoia is no coincidence.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 17 July 2025
The title effectively sums up the notions of paranoia and social fracture — and the freedoms that might be their alternative — explored throughout the 14-track project.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 15 July 2025
This lack of understanding was rooted in paranoia and suspicion after he was overthrown during his first military rule, according to Rewane.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for paranoia
Cite this Entry
“Paranoia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paranoia. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share