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
But the American historical psyche — the nasty, lurid stuff, the paranoia, the paradox, the farce, the terror, the truth.
—Wesley Morris, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Delusions, depressions, paranoias, and various suicide attempts followed.
—Frederick Kaufman, Harper's Magazine, 26 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paranoia 
Wesley Morris, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Delusions, depressions, paranoias, and various suicide attempts followed.
—Frederick Kaufman, Harper's Magazine, 26 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paranoia
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paranoia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near paranoia
Cite this Entry
“Paranoia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paranoia. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
paranoia
noun
para·noia
ˌpar-ə-ˈnȯi-ə
1
: a serious mental disorder 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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