paranoia

noun

Extreme, irrational distrust of others.

The obsolete name for a 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.

Roots

parapara- · Greek · beside, beyond nous-noia · Greek · mind, intellect

Synonyms for paranoia

psychosisn neurosisn insanityn schizophrenian

Synonyms & related words for paranoia

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Words related to paranoia

Explore words related to paranoia — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include paranoically, paranoic, paranoiac, paranoiacally, paranoid, hysteria, delusions, megalomania. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for paranoia

Common synonyms for paranoia include psychosis, neurosis, insanity, schizophrenia — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does paranoia come from?

The word paranoia breaks down into 2 roots of Greek origin: para-, from Greek para (“beside, beyond”); and -noia, from Greek nous (“mind, intellect”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.