Paranoia Meaning
/ˌpæɹ.əˈnɔɪ.ə/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA psychotic disorder, now called delusional disorder, often (in one of six subtypes) characterized by delusions of persecution and a perceived threat against the individual affected with the disorder, and often associated with false accusations and a general mistrust of others.
nounExtreme, irrational distrust of others.
Sentence Examples
Saying no to unequal language rights isn't the same thing as paranoia.
Herod the Great suffered from paranoia.
Paranoia is a serious disease, Tom. You should see a doctor.
CEFR Practice Quiz
His intense ____ caused him to believe his neighbors were plotting against him.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His growing ____ led him to believe that his colleagues were conspiring against him at work.
Word Origin & History
Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek παράνοια (paránoia, “madness”), from παράνοος (paránoos, “demented”), from παρά (pará, “beyond, beside”) + νόος (nóos, “mind, spirit”). By surface analysis, para- (“abnormal, beyond”) + nous (“mind”) + -ia (“(medical) condition”).
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
His intense ____ caused him to believe his neighbors were plotting against him.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His growing ____ led him to believe that his colleagues were conspiring against him at work.