[par-uh-noi-uh] 
| 1. | Psychiatry. a mental disorder characterized by systematized delusions and the projection of personal conflicts, which are ascribed to the supposed hostility of others, sometimes progressing to disturbances of consciousness and aggressive acts believed to be performed in self-defense or as a mission. |
| 2. | baseless or excessive suspicion of the motives of others. |
| par·a·noi·a (pār'ə-noi'ə) n.
[Greek, madness, from paranoos, demented : para-, beyond; see para-1 + nous, noos, mind.] |
A form of psychosis marked by delusions of persecution and of grandeur. One who suffers from paranoia is paranoid.
Note: In popular terminology, a “paranoid” personality is characterized by suspicion and distrust of others; a tendency to look for hidden meaning behind other people's actions; argumentativeness; complaining; low tolerance for criticism; and a constant display of one's own talents, accomplishments, independence, and rationality.
paranoia par·a·noi·a (pār'ə-noi'ə)
n.
A psychotic disorder characterized by systematized delusions, especially of persecution or grandeur, in the absence of other personality disorders.
Extreme, irrational distrust of others.
əˈnɔɪ