Paranoia: meaning, definitions and examples

Paranoia is typically used in situations where someone has extreme and irrational feelings of distrust or fear, often feeling that others are out to get them.

• He suffers from paranoia and constantly thinks that everyone is plotting against him

Delusion is used to describe a false belief that someone holds despite strong evidence against it. This term is often used in psychiatric contexts.

• Her delusion of being a famous actress led her to act erratically in public

Suspicion is used when someone has a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is behaving in a dishonest or dangerous way, often without proof.

• She had a suspicion that her neighbor was stealing her newspapers

Mistrust refers to a general lack of trust or confidence in someone or something. It is usually less intense and more rational than paranoia.

• There is a lot of mistrust between the two companies after the failed merger

Used when referring to an extreme and irrational fear or distrust of others, often associated with mental disorders.

• His paranoia made it difficult for him to trust even his closest friends
• She started to have paranoia that her coworkers were plotting against her

Appropriate when there is a general lack of trust or confidence in someone or something, often based on past experiences or evidence.

• He has a deep distrust of politicians due to previous corruption scandals
• There was a growing distrust between the two business partners

Used when there is a belief or impression that something may be the case, often with an implication of wrongdoing or deceit.

• His suspicious behavior raised her suspicion
• The police acted on a suspicion that he was involved in the robbery

Similar to distrust but often implies suspicion or doubt about honesty or reliability, without strong evidence.

• She approached the deal with a sense of mistrust
• The community had a mistrust of the new development project