paranoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'paranoid' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective that means excessively suspicious or distrustful of others. Example: His paranoia quickly showed through in his conversations, as he was constantly questioning the motives of everyone around him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ours is an age of faith as a path to control on a very wide scale – something rigid, paranoid and utterly destructive.

The Guardian - Opinion

I can only assume that the Tories are so caught up in the paranoid myth of young people in semi-feral criminal gangs living on the margins of society, that they've decided to come up with a policy to make it actually happen.

The Guardian

Apple security director Augustin Farrugia told the court that the music was deleted for security reasons and that hackers including Jon Lech Johansen also known as "DVD Jon" and software such as the digital rights management removal tool Requiem had made Apple "very paranoid".

The Guardian - Tech

"So you feel trapped in a paranoid silence?" I said.

The Guardian - Tech

It is examining allegations that coercive and at times repeated approaches by police caused the activists to give up their political campaigning, or left them stressed and paranoid.

The Guardian

It's the antithesis of democracy Maina Kiai, UN rapporteur on the freedom of peaceful assembly The 23-year-old single mother says she withdrew from anti-racism campaigning as she was left "feeling violated, isolated, vulnerable and paranoid" by the attempted recruitment.

The Guardian

Another environmentalist said he had been left "paranoid and mistrustful of people" after police made unannounced visits to his home, and followed him and his four-year-old daughter to a supermarket where they tried to thrust cash into his hands.

The Guardian

Then there's your relationship with the principal actors: you want to make friends, but you're always paranoid that they're paranoid you secretly want them to trip down the stairs – which you don't at all.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They say that coercive and at times repeated police approaches caused them to abandon their political campaigning, or left them stressed and paranoid.

The Guardian

How this happened makes for a fascinating story about the causes of bad journalism, the messages of irresponsible and paranoid church leaders, and badly informed, popularity-seeking politicians looking for a tabloid-friendly soundbite.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sometimes it's tough being shy and I feel a bit paranoid.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "paranoid", ensure the context clearly supports the claim of irrational fear or distrust. Overusing the term can diminish its impact and potentially stigmatize mental health issues.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone as "paranoid" simply because they express temporary anxiety or suspicion. Paranoia involves a persistent and irrational distrust that goes beyond typical concerns.

Linguistic Context

The word "paranoid" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something exhibiting extreme and irrational fear or distrust. Ludwig confirms its adjectival nature, aligning with its descriptive use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig's analysis of the word "paranoid" reveals it to be a frequently used adjective, predominantly found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word accurately describes someone exhibiting extreme and irrational distrust. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's crucial to use "paranoid" judiciously, avoiding overgeneralization or trivialization of mental health concerns. Exploring related phrases like "suspicious" or "distrustful" can provide more nuanced alternatives, depending on the specific context and intended meaning. Ultimately, understanding the communicative purpose and potential impact of "paranoid" ensures its effective and responsible usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreasonably suspicious

Highlights the irrationality of the suspicion.

suspicious

Emphasizes a general feeling of distrust without necessarily implying irrationality.

distrustful

Focuses on a lack of trust in others' motives or intentions.

mistrustful

Similar to distrustful, but may suggest a more deeply ingrained lack of faith.

wary

Indicates caution and alertness to potential danger or deception.

apprehensive

Highlights anxiety and fear about potential negative outcomes.

on edge

Describes a state of heightened nervousness and anxiety.

uneasy

Suggests a feeling of discomfort and anxiety about a situation or person.

hypervigilant

Implies an excessive state of watchfulness and alertness to potential threats.

having persecution complex

Describes the irrational belief that one is being persecuted or unfairly targeted.

FAQs

How can I use "paranoid" in a sentence?

You can use "paranoid" to describe someone exhibiting extreme and irrational fear or distrust of others. For example, "Maybe I'm paranoid, but that doesn't mean that they are not out to get me."

What are some synonyms for "paranoid"?

Some synonyms for "paranoid" include "suspicious", "distrustful", and "apprehensive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "paranoid" to describe someone's behavior?

While "paranoid" can accurately describe behavior, be mindful of the context and potential impact. Using it casually might trivialize genuine mental health concerns. Consider alternative terms like "wary" or "cautious" if the suspicion is less extreme.

What is the difference between being "paranoid" and being cautious?

Being cautious involves reasonable suspicion based on available evidence, while being "paranoid" typically involves irrational and excessive distrust without sufficient justification. Someone cautious might lock their doors at night, while someone "paranoid" might believe their neighbors are plotting against them without any real proof.