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paranoia

noun

/ˌpærəˈnɔɪə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of paranoia

An intense and irrational fear or suspicion of others, often without any real evidence to support it.
"Her paranoia about being judged made her avoid social situations."

Detailed meaning of paranoia

It is a mental state characterized by excessive anxiety and a constant sense of danger or threat, even in situations where there is no actual danger present. People who suffer from paranoia may believe that others are out to harm them, manipulate them, or control them in some way, even if there is no logical reason to think so. This can lead to a range of behaviors, such as isolating oneself from others, being excessively defensive, or engaging in conspiratorial thinking. While paranoia is often associated with mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia or paranoid personality disorder, it can also occur in people who are otherwise mentally healthy.

Example sentences containing paranoia

1. Her constant fear of being watched and followed revealed her deep-seated paranoia.
2. The thriller movie exploited the theme of paranoia to create a tense and suspenseful atmosphere.
3. His paranoia about germs led him to carry hand sanitizer everywhere he went.
4. The political climate was fueling a sense of paranoia among the citizens, who felt their rights were being infringed upon.
5. The detective's relentless pursuit of the truth was driven by his professional paranoia.
6. Living in a surveillance-heavy society can contribute to feelings of paranoia and mistrust.

History and etymology of paranoia

The noun 'paranoia' has its roots in Greek, stemming from the word 'paránoia,' which means 'mental derangement' or 'madness.' It entered the English language in the late 19th century to describe an intense and irrational fear or suspicion of others, often without any real evidence to support it. 'Paranoia' has retained its original Greek essence, emphasizing a sense of mental disturbance or irrationality. It conveys the idea that those experiencing paranoia are gripped by unfounded and exaggerated fears, suspecting others of malevolent intentions when, in reality, there may be no basis for such suspicions. The term 'paranoia' encapsulates the complex and challenging nature of this psychological condition, where the mind creates threats that do not align with objective reality.

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Further usage examples of paranoia

1. The conspiracy theories circulating online only served to feed people's paranoia about hidden agendas.
2. Suffering from clinical paranoia, he struggled to differentiate between real threats and imagined dangers.
3. The author's novel delved into the mind of a character plagued by paranoia, making for a psychologically gripping read.
4. The company's strict security measures fostered an environment of paranoia among its employees.
5. After the break-in, the homeowner couldn't shake off the lingering sense of paranoia.
6. The protagonist's growing paranoia added a layer of complexity to the storyline.
7. Years of dealing with sensitive information had cultivated a sense of paranoia within the spy.
8. The media's sensationalist coverage often contributes to the public's paranoia about crime rates.
9. The cult leader manipulated his followers' insecurities, fueling their paranoia and loyalty to him.
10. The technology expert warned about the potential for privacy invasion and the rise of digital paranoia.
11. Experiencing multiple betrayals in his life left him with a lasting sense of paranoia.
12. The character's paranoia drove him to extreme measures to protect his identity.
13. The history of government surveillance had left a lasting legacy of paranoia among the citizens.
14. Therapy helped her address and manage her deep-seated paranoia, allowing her to regain a sense of normalcy.