Synonyms for

Psych

Verb / saɪk / Another word for psych — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to mentally prepare oneself for a task or challenge

Synonyms & similar words

motivate encourage inspire energize

Synonyms by register

Formal

manipulate influence sway deceive

Informal

mess with trick kid tease wind up

Literary

beguile delude hoodwink

Antonyms

encourage support reassure comfort validate affirm

Common collocations

  • psych out
  • psych yourself out
  • psych someone out
  • psych up
  • psych yourself up
  • psych someone up
  • psychological warfare

Word family

noun psyche
verb psych
adjective psychological

Usage note

Primarily used informally to mean to trick, tease, or mentally prepare oneself or another. Can also refer to psychological manipulation in more formal contexts.

Example sentences

  1. I need to psych myself up before I give my speech.
  2. He tried to psych himself up for the job interview.
  3. Before the race, she had to psych herself up mentally.
  4. I'm going to psych myself up before I take the test.
  5. It's important to psych yourself up before a big performance.

Quotes

  • I just try to psych myself up, to talk myself into championship form. - Carl Lewis
  • I always try and psych myself up for the first few rounds of a Grand Slam. - Andy Murray
  • I have to psych myself up every morning just to go to work. - Unknown

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