noun
Uncommon
paranoia
par-uh-NOY-uh
Paranoia (noun) means a mental health condition marked by persistent, irrational feelings of persecution or threat. Example: “His doctor prescribed medication to help manage his paranoia.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- paranoias, paranoiæ
Fill the gap
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His doctor prescribed medication to help manage his _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from Ancient Greek paranoia, "madness," from para- ("beside, beyond") + nous ("mind") — literally, a mind that has gone "beside itself."
Rhymes for paranoia
See all rhymes for paranoia →Frequently asked questions
What does “paranoia” mean?
The word “paranoia” means a mental health condition marked by persistent, irrational feelings of persecution or threat. In plain terms, a state of feeling like everyone is out to get you, whether as a clinical condition or just an exaggerated mood.
How do you pronounce “paranoia”?
“Paranoia” is pronounced par-uh-NOY-uh (/ˌpæɹ.əˈnɔɪ.ə/ in IPA).
How do you use “paranoia” in a sentence?
Here is “paranoia” used in a sentence: “His doctor prescribed medication to help manage his paranoia.”
What part of speech is “paranoia”?
“Paranoia” is a noun.
Where does the word “paranoia” come from?
The word “paranoia” comes from Ancient Greek. Borrowed from Ancient Greek paranoia, "madness," from para- ("beside, beyond") + nous ("mind") — literally, a mind that has gone "beside itself.".
Is “paranoia” a common word?
“Paranoia” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “paranoia” have?
“Paranoia” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mental health condition marked by persistent, irrational feelings of persecution or threat.
