paranoiac

/,pærə'nɔiək/
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Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A person suffering from paranoia. Paranoia is a mental condition characterized by delusions, especially of persecution, unwarranted jealousy, or exaggerated self-importance, often organized into a logical system.
Usage
  • The term paranoiac is a clinical and somewhat dated noun used to classify or describe an individual diagnosed with or displaying the symptoms of paranoia.
  • It is important to use this term with sensitivity, as it refers to a serious mental health condition. In modern clinical contexts, terms like "a person with paranoia" are often preferred.
Examples
  • The character in the novel was portrayed as a paranoiac, convinced that his neighbors were government spies.
  • The psychiatrist evaluated the patient, concluding he was a paranoiac.
  • Her paranoiac tendencies made it difficult for her to trust anyone, even her closest friends.
Advanced Usage
  • The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe behaviors or beliefs characteristic of paranoia.
    • He had a paranoiac fear of being followed.
    • She was gripped by paranoiac delusions.
Variants and Related Words
  • Paranoia (noun): The condition itself.
    • His paranoia made social interactions impossible.
  • Paranoid (adjective): Describing someone who has or shows paranoia; also used informally to mean excessively fearful or suspicious.
    • He became increasingly paranoid. (adjective describing state)
    • She has paranoid schizophrenia. (clinical adjective)
  • Paranoid (noun): A less clinical synonym for "paranoiac."
    • He was a paranoid who kept detailed logs of every minor event.
Synonyms
  • Persecution complex sufferer: A descriptive phrase focusing on a common delusion.
  • (A) paranoid: A more common, though still clinical, noun.
Notes on Meaning
  • The core meaning of paranoiac is specifically tied to the clinical condition of paranoia. It is not a synonym for someone who is merely suspicious or cautious.
  • In historical or literary contexts, it may be used more broadly to describe someone with an irrational, systematized distrust of others.
Noun
  1. a person afflicted with paranoia

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