verb
psych
syk
verb
1
To trick or intimidate someone mentally, often phrased as "psych out."
"The boxer tried to psych out his opponent before the fight even started."
2
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
1
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 notesIn 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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The boxer tried to _____ out his opponent before the fight even started.
Etymology
A shortened form of "psychologize."