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
Since the advent of the Patrick Mahomes Era, the Chiefs are 15-3 in the postseason — a diametric contrast for a franchise that had won just one of its previous 12 playoff games and tormented its fan base into what might be called rational paranoia.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2025
At times, seeking advice from friends like Joey and Chandler only fueled Ross’s paranoia.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Last Voyage turns the chilling interlude into a slow-moving slasher, neither acknowledging the book’s metaphor of a ship bringing plague nor indulging in the inherent paranoia of its claustrophobic surroundings.
—Celia Mattison, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
Still grappling with survivors’ guilt, Gi-hun has spent three years steeped in paranoia and isolation while trying to come up with a plan to use his newfound wealth to not only stop the games but also to overthrow the system and its overseers.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 26 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paranoia 
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Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2025
At times, seeking advice from friends like Joey and Chandler only fueled Ross’s paranoia.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Last Voyage turns the chilling interlude into a slow-moving slasher, neither acknowledging the book’s metaphor of a ship bringing plague nor indulging in the inherent paranoia of its claustrophobic surroundings.
—Celia Mattison, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
Still grappling with survivors’ guilt, Gi-hun has spent three years steeped in paranoia and isolation while trying to come up with a plan to use his newfound wealth to not only stop the games but also to overthrow the system and its overseers.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 26 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 24 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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