paranoid — having an unreasonable fear that other people are trying to harm you
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having an unreasonable fear that other people are trying to harm you
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpærəˌnɔɪd/
Example Sentences
- My mom gets paranoid when I don't text back within 5 minutes.
- Don't be so paranoid - not everyone is talking about you behind your back.
- He's so paranoid about germs that he washes his hands 50 times a day.
paranoid
ADJECTIVE[/ˈpærəˌnɔɪd/]
having an unreasonable fear that other people are trying to harm you
He became paranoid that someone was secretly following him.
She checked the door three times because she felt paranoid. (🤔 Always Suspects + 🚪 Checks Again → Paranoid)
Feeling paranoid, he avoided everyone until his friends became annoyed.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek 'paranoia,' combining 'para' (beside, beyond) and 'noos' (mind). The term was coined in German psychiatry in the 19th century to describe a mental condition of excessive suspicion.
Breakdown
para- (beside, beyond) + -noid (having the quality of) = paranoid; from Greek 'para' (beside) + 'nous' (mind) + '-ia' (condition) = paranoia
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom gets paranoid when I don't text back within 5 minutes.”
“Don't be so paranoid - not everyone is talking about you behind your back.”
“He's so paranoid about germs that he washes his hands 50 times a day.”
“The paranoid dictator installed cameras in every corner of the palace.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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