verb Uncommon

psych

syk

Psych (verb) means to trick or intimidate someone mentally, often phrased as "psych out.". Example: “The boxer tried to psych out his opponent before the fight even started.”

verb

To trick or intimidate someone mentally, often phrased as "psych out."

"The boxer tried to psych out his opponent before the fight even started."

To mentally prepare and get excited for something challenging, often phrased as "psych up."

"She listened to loud music to psych herself up before the race."

intj

Said right after fooling someone, to reveal that a previous statement was a joke.

""I got you concert tickets — psych! April Fools.""

How to use psych

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo mentally prepare, intimidate, or trick someone — the meaning flips depending on whether it's "psych out," "psych up," or said alone as a joke-reveal.

When to use it

Very informal, common in spoken English and sports slang.

Memory tip

Watch the preposition: "psych out" = intimidate/confuse, "psych up" = get pumped and ready.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

psych out psych up psych yourself up

Word forms

psyched past tense, psyched past tense, psychs singular, psychs singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The boxer tried to _____ out his opponent before the fight even started.

Etymology

A shortened form of "psychologize."

Frequently asked questions

What does “psych” mean?

The word “psych” means to trick or intimidate someone mentally, often phrased as "psych out.". In plain terms, to mentally prepare, intimidate, or trick someone — the meaning flips depending on whether it's "psych out," "psych up," or said alone as a joke-reveal.

How do you pronounce “psych”?

“Psych” is pronounced syk (/saɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “psych” in a sentence?

Here is “psych” used in a sentence: “The boxer tried to psych out his opponent before the fight even started.”

What part of speech is “psych”?

Depending on how it is used, “psych” can be a verb and an intj.

Is “psych” a common word?

“Psych” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “psych” have?

“Psych” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to trick or intimidate someone mentally, often phrased as "psych out.".

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Vocabulary lists that include psych:

Words that end with H