mind game

noun

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of mind game

: a psychological tactic used to manipulate or intimidate —usually used in plural

played mind games with his opponent

Recent Examples of mind game from the Web

Regina, with the unerring instinct of a killer primate to spot a potential threat, zeroes in on pretty Cady as a plaything for her mind games.

— david rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Mean Girls': Theater Review," 9 Apr. 2018
Consumers who angst for detailed storyline and a potpourri of mind games will devour this encounter.

— justin barrasso, SI.com, "The Young Bucks, Golden Lovers Weigh In On Sunday's NJPW “Strong Style Evolved” Show," 23 Mar. 2018
The mind game oil companies are stuck in Oil companies have known about climate change for a long time.

— david roberts, Vox, "Shell’s vision of a net-zero carbon world by 2070, explained," 30 Mar. 2018
Even for a master of media spin and coaching mind games like Calipari, who wears his paranoia like a security blanket, that’s some next-level stuff.

— dan wolken, USA TODAY, "Kentucky is overwhelming favorite for Final Four despite John Calipari's mind games," 21 Mar. 2018
Riley Keogh is fascinating to watch as Christine, a ruthlessly ambitious law student who becomes increasingly drawn in by the high stakes and psychological mind games of her night job.

— emma dibdin, Harper's BAZAAR, "The 18 Best TV Shows of 2016," 14 Dec. 2016
Season 1 followed the mind games between the con man and the gambler; Season 2, which streams Friday, focuses more on Pete’s family, including a memorable turn from the character actress Margo Martindale.

— andrew r. chow, New York Times, "What’s on TV Friday: ‘Collateral’ and ‘Love’," 9 Mar. 2018
Companies play those mind games and a lot of people are afraid to leave promotions.

— justin barrasso, SI.com, "Konnan on Working With Aro Lucha, Max Moon and His Frustration with Eric Bischoff and WCW," 16 Feb. 2018
Paul is crafty and one of the best at playing mind games.

— jason jones, sacbee, "Don’t celebrate Kings’ move to cut Papagiannis. It’s only a bandage on a deep wound," 10 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mind game.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of mind game

1963

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