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Paranoid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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paranoid

[หˆpรฆr.ษ™.nษ”ษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling suspicious or fearful

Paranoid is used to describe someone who has an unfounded or irrational fear that they are being watched, persecuted, or harmed by others. It is often associated with a heightened sense of mistrust or suspicion towards others.

Synonyms

fearful, mistrustful, suspicious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
paranoid

Used when someone has an irrational fear that people are out to get them or they're being constantly watched, often to a degree that's unhealthy.

  • After watching the news, John became paranoid and started locking every door and window
suspicious

Represents a state of mind where someone is skeptical about someone's intentions or actions, often thinking they might be doing something wrong or harmful.

  • Tom grew suspicious when he noticed his coworker frequently leaving early
fearful

Applies when someone is generally afraid or worried about something, usually in a normal or rational way. It can cover a range of mild to severe fears.

  • Sally was fearful of speaking in public for the first time
mistrustful

Describes a feeling of lacking trust in someone or something, often based on past experiences or evidence.

  • After being lied to, Mary became mistrustful of her friend's promises

Examples of usage

  • He became paranoid and started checking for hidden cameras in his house.
  • She was so paranoid that she wouldn't even answer her phone.
  • The paranoid individual believed that everyone was out to get him.
  • His paranoid behavior was causing strain in his relationships.
  • I could see the paranoia in his eyes as he looked around the room.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Paranoia can be a symptom of several mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and anxiety disorders.
  • It often occurs during periods of stress, making people overly suspicious about othersโ€™ intentions.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one effective approach to help individuals manage paranoid thoughts.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'A Beautiful Mind' explore paranoid characters, highlighting their internal struggles and perceptions.
  • The term 'paranoid' is commonly used in song lyrics and art to convey feelings of distrust and fear.
  • Paranoia has also inspired many thriller novels, where characters often question reality and the motives of others.

Sociology

  • In the age of social media, some studies suggest an increase in paranoid thoughts, as people compare themselves and feel judged.
  • Group dynamics can exacerbate feelings of paranoia, particularly in environments rife with competition or betrayal.
  • Cultural contexts may shift what kinds of paranoia are common; in some societies, people might fear government surveillance.

Science

  • Research indicates that paranoia can stem from early childhood experiences, especially trauma or neglect.
  • Certain neurological studies show that paranoid thoughts correlate with changes in brain functions, particularly in areas responsible for processing threats.
  • Stress hormones like cortisol are linked to heightened paranoia, indicating a physiological response to perceived danger.

Origin of 'paranoid'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'paranoia', meaning 'madness' or 'derangement'.
  • It was used in the late 19th century to describe a type of mental illness marked by intense distrust or delusions.
  • The prefix 'para-' suggests 'beside' or 'beyond', hinting at thoughts that stray away from reality.

The word 'paranoid' originated from the Greek words 'para' meaning 'beside' and 'nous' meaning 'mind'. It was first used in the early 20th century to describe a mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution. Over time, the term evolved to also encompass a general sense of suspicion or mistrust.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,454, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.