paranoia

/pærəˈʊnɪə/

Definitions

1. noun

a persistent delusion of or fear of being persecuted, decoyed, followed, spied upon, etc.

“The actress’s paranoia about being hacked made her extremely cautious with her online presence.”

2. noun

a feeling of anxiety or apprehension about something

“The team’s paranoia about losing the game led them to make some questionable decisions.”

3. noun

a state of mind characterized by irrational distrust or suspicion

“The character’s paranoia about being betrayed by his friends led him to become isolated.”

Synonyms

  • anxiety
  • irrationality
  • phobia

Antonyms

  • composure
  • rationality