as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
I have to psych myself up before every swimming competition
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in soul
an immaterial force within a human being thought to give the body life, energy, and power
disturbing, enigmatic paintings that seem to embody the psyche of this brilliant but troubled artist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mind
the part of a person that feels, thinks, perceives, wills, and especially reasons
a novel that explores the psyche of a depressed teen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of psych (up)
Kyle Denis, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2025
This is the question on the minds of Democratic voters, where the administration's war path has carved deep into Colorado's blue-state psyche and workforce.
—Andrew Solender, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025
Addressing media speculation about her personal life, as well as her past and present relationships, Grande lets listeners in to her inner psyche and turmoil more explicitly than ever.
—Brendan Le, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Most important, it’s also waged in her psyche, which Hobbs wisely foregrounds.
—The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for psych (up)
Noun
The two stars trade heady, heavy verses that zoom into the psyche of a child living in a fear and neglect-ridden household that only primes them for darker horrors.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2025
This is the question on the minds of Democratic voters, where the administration's war path has carved deep into Colorado's blue-state psyche and workforce.
—Andrew Solender, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025
Addressing media speculation about her personal life, as well as her past and present relationships, Grande lets listeners in to her inner psyche and turmoil more explicitly than ever.
—Brendan Le, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Most important, it’s also waged in her psyche, which Hobbs wisely foregrounds.
—The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for psych (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for psych (up)
Verb
-
Goldman Sachs worries the stock drawdown is about to get worse, and is bracing for wider credit spreads and a recession.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Dealers and car buyers are biting their nails and bracing for impact as the current auto market becomes more difficult to navigate for all parties.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In that same interview, Moyes admitted to being out of his comfort zone talking about music, but referenced American soul artists The Commodores and Donna Summer plus U.S. pianist and singer Billy Joel as other favourites.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Plastered firmly onto my soul and sealed by the kind of glue that holds entire generations together.—
Lauren Vuong,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The more Tropper thought about it, the more one actor appeared in his mind for Coop: Jon Hamm.—
Antonia Blyth,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Price upon publish date of this article: $780 What to Look for in a Crossbody Phone Bag Special features: When shopping for a crossbody phone bag, there are a few key features to keep in mind.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Instead of fortifying the line, the Chiefs lost their best offensive lineman in Joe Thuney, who signed with the Chicago Bears.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
-
The roster-building efforts have been aggressive and purposeful as Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles united on a vision to fortify both lines.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
There are signs that SEIU Local 1000’s efforts have renewed the spirits of members who in recent years have weathered a tumultuous leadership change and a contract negotiation that left many unsatisfied.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
As Donatella Versace prepares to step into her new role as Global Ambassador, there is hope that the Prada Group will honor and preserve the brand’s familial legacy, keeping the spirit of the Versace family alive at its core.—
Mecca Pryor,
Essence,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Similarly, puzzle-solving and brain games can stimulate cognitive functions like attention and processing speed, providing consistent mental exercise.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum — who shared in February that her melanoma had spread to her lungs and brain — sat down with Nightline for an interview which aired on Thursday, April 10.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The company wasn't just readying to build electric vehicles.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Villa Aurora was readying for the 30th anniversary of its residency program.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Cal Fire representatives said the current parking mess has already impacted them because the driveway to their station enters the highway not far from the trail head.—
J. Harry Jones,
Ramona Sentinel,
19 July 2017
-
Now, Maineri heads into year 12 with 18 pitchers on his roster, hoping that rising junior Caleb Gilbert and sophomore-to-be Zach Hess will emerge at the top of the pitching rotation.—
John Roach,
NOLA.com,
19 July 2017
Cite this Entry
“Psych (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/psych%20%28up%29. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share