- (n.) A chronic form of insanity characterized by very gradual impairment of the intellect, systematized delusion, and usually by delusious of persecution or mandatory delusions producing homicidal tendency. In its mild form paranoia may consist in the well-marked crotchetiness exhibited in persons commonly called "cranks." Paranoiacs usually show evidences of bodily and nervous degeneration, and many have hallucinations, especially of sight and hearing.
- (n.) Mental derangement; insanity.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). paranoia. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/paranoia/definitions/2042052 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "paranoia" http://smartdefine.org/paranoia/definitions/2042052 (accessed September 22, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, paranoia, Smart Define, viewed 22 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/paranoia/definitions/2042052>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "paranoia" 27 May 2011. Web. 22 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/paranoia/definitions/2042052> |