Meaning & use
paranoia
An irrational or excessive suspicion or fear that others intend harm, often without real evidence.
See it in a sentence
His paranoia grew until he was convinced his coworkers were plotting against him.
Sleep deprivation can trigger mild paranoia even in otherwise healthy people.
A note on using this word
Paranoia can describe a clinical psychological condition or, more loosely in everyday speech, an exaggerated and unfounded sense of being targeted.
Words with a similar meaning
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Words with an opposite meaning
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