psychodynamics

noun

psy·​cho·​dy·​nam·​ics ˌsī-kō-dī-ˈna-miks 

-də-

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

: the psychology of mental or emotional forces or processes developing especially in early childhood and their effects on behavior and mental states

2

: explanation or interpretation (as of behavior or mental states) in terms of mental or emotional forces or processes

3

: motivational forces acting especially at the unconscious level

psychodynamic

ˌsī-kō-dī-ˈna-mik 

-də-

adjective

psychodynamically

ˌsī-kō-dī-ˈna-mi-k(ə-)lē 

-də-

adverb

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

psychodynamics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

psy·​cho·​dy·​nam·​ics ˌsī-kō-dī-ˈnam-iks, -də- 

1

: the psychology of mental or emotional forces or processes developing especially in early childhood and their effects on behavior and mental states

2

: explanation or interpretation (as of behavior or mental states) in terms of mental or emotional forces or processes

3

: motivational forces acting especially at the unconscious level

psychodynamic

-ik 

adjective

psychodynamically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb