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
Lyrically, the songs conjure romantic passion, fame, drugs, and the paranoia all the above can generate.
—Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2025
Suddenly, his paranoia, fueled by any number of unsettling urban legends, kicked in.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025
Detox Kit Side Effects Research shows that people who use drug detox kits put themselves at risk for developing harmful adverse effects, including paranoia, hallucinations, and psychosis.14
How Does Marijuana Metabolize in the Body?
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2025
Irate and dismissive, but then reluctantly indulgent, Ed agrees to humor Simon, if only with the expectation of dispelling his paranoia.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paranoia
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Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2025
Suddenly, his paranoia, fueled by any number of unsettling urban legends, kicked in.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025
Detox Kit Side Effects Research shows that people who use drug detox kits put themselves at risk for developing harmful adverse effects, including paranoia, hallucinations, and psychosis.14
How Does Marijuana Metabolize in the Body?
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2025
Irate and dismissive, but then reluctantly indulgent, Ed agrees to humor Simon, if only with the expectation of dispelling his paranoia.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 25 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 14 May. 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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