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
People often confuse the paranoia of dementia with the paranoia of conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
—Dr. Sabooh Mubbashar, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2025
Cronenberg has made a thriller of justified technological paranoia, of the internet’s myriad parasitic intrusions into the human realm.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2025
Apparently Nat took her own life a few days ago after weeks of extreme paranoia and instability.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
The doctor considered schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and paranoia diagnoses but ultimately rejected them, according to a report read aloud in court.
—Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paranoia
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Dr. Sabooh Mubbashar, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2025
Cronenberg has made a thriller of justified technological paranoia, of the internet’s myriad parasitic intrusions into the human realm.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2025
Apparently Nat took her own life a few days ago after weeks of extreme paranoia and instability.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
The doctor considered schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and paranoia diagnoses but ultimately rejected them, according to a report read aloud in court.
—Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 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
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