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
Recent episodes of Aaron Hernandez have excelled by stepping outside Aaron’s point of view, but this finale immerses us back in his state of mind, forcing us to experience his harrowing final days and really understand what his paranoia and insecurity felt like.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
In the immediate aftermath of a major assassination, groups certainly can experience communications breakdowns, confusion, grief, and paranoia.
—Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024
The short film Ghosts takes its name from the single, encompassing themes of haunted imagination, the supernatural, and paranoia.
—Ime Ekpo, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Fundamentally, because of Putin’s paranoia and aggression, flattering him or trying patient diplomacy hasn’t worked.
—Stephan Kieninger / Made By History, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paranoia 
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Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
In the immediate aftermath of a major assassination, groups certainly can experience communications breakdowns, confusion, grief, and paranoia.
—Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024
The short film Ghosts takes its name from the single, encompassing themes of haunted imagination, the supernatural, and paranoia.
—Ime Ekpo, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Fundamentally, because of Putin’s paranoia and aggression, flattering him or trying patient diplomacy hasn’t worked.
—Stephan Kieninger / Made By History, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paranoia
Dictionary Entries Near paranoia
Cite this Entry
“Paranoia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paranoia. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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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