paranoia
[ par-uh-noi-uh ]
/ ˌpær əˈnɔɪ ə /
noun
Psychiatry.
a mental disorder characterized by systematized delusions and the projection of personal conflicts, which are ascribed to the supposed hostility of others, sometimes progressing to disturbances of consciousness and aggressive acts believed to be performed in self-defense or as a mission.
baseless or excessive suspicion of the motives of others.
Also
par·a·noe·a
[par-uh-nee-uh] /ˌpær əˈni ə/.
Words nearby paranoia
Example sentences from the Web for paranoia
British Dictionary definitions for paranoia
paranoia
/ (ˌpærəˈnɔɪə) /
noun
a form of schizophrenia characterized by a slowly progressive deterioration of the personality, involving delusions and often hallucinations
a mental disorder characterized by any of several types of delusions, in which the personality otherwise remains relatively intact
informal
intense fear or suspicion, esp when unfounded
Derived forms of paranoia
paranoiac (ˌpærəˈnɔɪɪk) or paranoic (ˌpærəˈnəʊɪk), adjective, nounWord Origin for paranoia
C19: via New Latin from Greek: frenzy, from
paranoos distraught, from
para-
1 +
noos mind
Medical definitions for paranoia
paranoia
[ păr′ə-noi′ə ]
n.
A psychotic disorder characterized by systematized delusions, especially of persecution or grandeur, in the absence of other personality disorders.
Extreme, irrational distrust of others.
Cultural definitions for paranoia
paranoia
[ (par-uh-noy-uh) ]
A form of psychosis marked by delusions of persecution and of grandeur. One who suffers from paranoia is paranoid.
notes for paranoia
In popular terminology, a “paranoid”
personality is characterized by suspicion and distrust of others; a tendency to look for hidden meaning behind other people's actions; argumentativeness; complaining; low tolerance for criticism; and a constant display of one's own talents, accomplishments, independence, and rationality.