paranoia
word
/ˌpɛɹəˈnɔɪə/
pair-uh-NOY-uh
/pˈæɹənˌɔɪɐ/
pa-ruh-NOY-uh
Definition
Paranoia is a mental state where a person feels very suspicious or believes that others are trying to harm them, usually without real proof.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in psychological or medical contexts, but common in everyday speech to exaggerate someone's suspicion ('a bit of paranoia'). Often confused with 'anxiety' or 'fear', but 'paranoia' suggests unwarranted suspicion of others' intentions.
Spanish: paranoiaPortuguese (BR): paranoiaPortuguese (PT): paranoiaChinese (Simplified): 偏执 - 妄想症 (医学)Chinese (Traditional): 偏執 - 妄想症 (醫學)Hindi: पैरानॉयया - भ्रमArabic: بارانويا - جنون الارتيابBengali: প্যারানয়া - সন্দেহবাতিকতাRussian: паранойяJapanese: パラノイア - 被害妄想Vietnamese: hoang tưởngKorean: 편집증Turkish: paranoyaUrdu: وہم - پارانویاIndonesian: paranoia
Example Sentences
Paranoia can make it hard to trust people.
basic
Ever since the break-in, his paranoia has gotten worse.
natural
Don't let your paranoia ruin your friendships.
natural
She feels paranoia when she is alone at night.
basic
He talked to his doctor about his paranoia.
basic
Sometimes a little paranoia keeps you safe, but too much is exhausting.
natural