[ ˌparə'nɔɪə ]
■ noun
1》 a mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution, unwarranted jealousy, or exaggerated self-importance.
2》 unjustified suspicion and mistrust of others.
Derivatives
~c adjective &noun
~cally adverb
paranoic -'nəʊɪk , -'nɔɪɪk adjective
paranoically adverb
Origin
C19: mod. L., from Gk, from paranoos 'distracted', from para 'irregular' + noos 'mind'.