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
One is addled by paranoia and extremism, the other knows only heartless corporate speak.
—Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Amid the paranoia of the Cold War, the eight-episode season (critics received five for review) has many eerie elements, including its parallels to the present day.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025
From there, investigators, journalists, and suspects become entangled in a labyrinth of fear, obsession, and paranoia.
—Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
At this Nevada motel, your check-in comes with creeping paranoia.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paranoia
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Amid the paranoia of the Cold War, the eight-episode season (critics received five for review) has many eerie elements, including its parallels to the present day.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025
From there, investigators, journalists, and suspects become entangled in a labyrinth of fear, obsession, and paranoia.
—Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
At this Nevada motel, your check-in comes with creeping paranoia.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share