noun
paranoia
par-uh-NOY-uh
noun
1
A mental health condition marked by persistent, irrational feelings of persecution or threat.
"His doctor prescribed medication to help manage his paranoia."
2
Extreme and unfounded suspicion or distrust of other people.
"Years of being lied to had left her with a deep paranoia about anyone getting too close."
"The office was gripped by paranoia after the layoff rumours started."
How to Use Paranoia
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA state of feeling like everyone is out to get you, whether as a clinical condition or just an exaggerated mood.
Common pairings
a bout of paranoia
fuel paranoia
clinical paranoia
Word Forms
paranoias plural, paranoiæ plural
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Etymology
Borrowed from Ancient Greek paranoia, "madness," from para- ("beside, beyond") + nous ("mind") — literally, a mind that has gone "beside itself."