/
ˌparəˈnɔɪə/
n.
- a mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution, unwarranted jealousy, or exaggerated self-importance.
- unjustified suspicion and mistrust of others.
Derivative
- paranoiac adj. & n.
- paranoiacally adv.
- paranoic
/-ˈnəʊɪk, -ˈnɔɪɪk/
adj. - paranoically adv.
Etymology
C19: mod. L., from Gk, from paranoos ‘distracted’, from para ‘irregular’ + noos ‘mind’.