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Meaning of Word
Paranoid

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Paranoid (adjective): Exhibiting unreasonable fear or suspicion, often without evidence, especially of others’ intentions.
2. Paranoid: A mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution or irrational fears of being harmed by others.
3. Paranoid: Overly suspicious or mistrustful, typically in a way that is disproportionate to the situation.

History and Origin
The term “paranoid” comes from the Greek word para (meaning “beside” or “abnormal”) and nous (meaning “mind”). The term was first used in the early 20th century in the context of psychology to describe individuals who displayed irrational fears or suspicions. Over time, “paranoid” has expanded to describe a broader range of extreme, unfounded mistrust in people and situations.

Detailed Explanation
“Paranoid” refers to a state of mind in which a person feels an exaggerated and irrational sense of fear or distrust. People who are paranoid often believe that others are conspiring against them or trying to harm them, even if no evidence exists to support these beliefs. Paranoia can be a symptom of various mental health conditions, including paranoid personality disorder or schizophrenia, but it can also be experienced as a temporary emotional state in stressful situations. Paranoia differs from general anxiety or nervousness in that it often involves a distorted perception of reality, where the person’s fears are not based on actual events or facts.

Example Sentences

1. He became paranoid after reading about conspiracies online, believing everyone was out to get him.
2. Her paranoid thoughts about being watched made it hard for her to leave the house.
3. The man’s paranoid behavior led him to refuse any help from people who were genuinely concerned for his well-being.
4. After the argument, he grew increasingly paranoid, thinking his friends were plotting against him.
5. The paranoid woman would lock all the doors and windows at night, even though there was no sign of danger.
6. His paranoid suspicion that his coworkers were talking behind his back was unfounded.
7. The news report fueled the paranoid fears of the community, despite there being no real threat.
8. A paranoid reaction to the criticism led her to believe everyone was judging her harshly.
9. After the breakup, he became paranoid that his ex-partner was spreading rumors about him.

Synonyms with short explanation

1. Suspicious: Doubting the motives or actions of others, often without solid proof.
2. Distrustful: Having a lack of confidence or belief in others, usually due to fear of betrayal.
3. Cautious: Being wary or careful due to the perceived risk of harm, sometimes to an extreme degree.
4. Mistrustful: Inclined to doubt others’ intentions or actions, often based on irrational fears.
5. Wary: On guard or cautious due to a perceived risk, sometimes bordering on excessive caution.

Related Words with short explanation

1. Delusional: Holding false beliefs that are not grounded in reality, often linked with paranoia.
2. Anxious: Feeling uneasy or worried, sometimes leading to paranoid thoughts.
3. Neurotic: Experiencing emotional instability or irrational fears, often associated with paranoia.
4. Psychotic: Having a severe mental disorder that distorts reality, often involving paranoid delusions.
5. Fearful: Experiencing fear, which can sometimes lead to paranoid thoughts about potential threats.

More Matches with short explanation

1. Irrational: Lacking logical reasoning, often a characteristic of paranoid thinking.
2. Obsessive: Having a persistent focus on a particular thought or fear, similar to paranoia.
3. Hypersensitive: Overreacting to stimuli or situations, sometimes causing paranoid thoughts.
4. Defensive: Being overly protective or quick to assume attack or criticism, often leading to paranoia.
5. Megalomaniacal: A psychological condition characterized by delusions of grandeur or power, often associated with paranoia.

Antonyms

1. Trusting: Having confidence in others’ honesty and integrity, the opposite of suspicion.
2. Secure: Feeling free from doubt or fear, not experiencing paranoia.
3. Open: Being receptive and honest, without unnecessary suspicion or fear.
4. Confident: Having a strong belief in oneself or others, with no paranoid doubts.
5. Balanced: Showing emotional stability and rational thinking, unlike the extreme beliefs associated with paranoia.