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
The Senators’ arguments and demands were a mixture of Cold War paranoia and savvy politics.
—Duncan Money / Made By History, TIME, 8 Jan. 2025
Ingestion of synthetic bath salts, also known as Alpha-PVP or cathinone, can lead to bizarre behavior such as paranoia and extreme strength, according to authorities.
—CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025
As tensions rise both at home and in his professional life, the disappearance of a gun becomes a pivotal moment in the story upping the ante on the film’s tension as Iman’s mistrust and paranoia, even of his own family, builds.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 3 Jan. 2025
Although small, the insects awakened a sense of paranoia that made my stay a bit less enjoyable.
—Danielle Harling, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paranoia 
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Duncan Money / Made By History, TIME, 8 Jan. 2025
Ingestion of synthetic bath salts, also known as Alpha-PVP or cathinone, can lead to bizarre behavior such as paranoia and extreme strength, according to authorities.
—CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025
As tensions rise both at home and in his professional life, the disappearance of a gun becomes a pivotal moment in the story upping the ante on the film’s tension as Iman’s mistrust and paranoia, even of his own family, builds.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 3 Jan. 2025
Although small, the insects awakened a sense of paranoia that made my stay a bit less enjoyable.
—Danielle Harling, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 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 18 Jan. 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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