paranoid
|par-a-noid|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈpærəˌnɔɪd/
🇬🇧
/ˈpærənɔɪd/
irrational fear
Etymology
Etymology Information
'paranoid' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'paranoia,' where 'para-' meant 'beside' and 'noos' meant 'mind.'
Historical Evolution
'paranoia' transformed into the French word 'paranoïa,' and eventually became the modern English word 'paranoid' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'beside the mind,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'irrational fear or distrust.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
exhibiting or characterized by extreme and irrational fear or distrust of others.
He became paranoid about his coworkers plotting against him.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40