psychological

adjective

psy·​cho·​log·​i·​cal ˌsī-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce psychological (audio)
variants or less commonly psychologic
1
a
: of or relating to psychology
psychological research
b
: of, relating to, or occurring in the mind : mental
psychological distress
psychological disorders
2
: directed toward, influencing, or acting on the mind especially in relation to an individual's willpower or behavioral motivation
psychological warfare
psychological strategies
psychologically adverb
Since losing its Winston Cup [NASCAR] races, the town of North Wilkesboro has suffered economically and psychologically. Derek H. Alderman et al.
To gas light is to psychologically manipulate a person to the point where they question their own sanity … Lauren Duca

Examples of psychological in a Sentence

a psychological rather than a physical condition suffered from psychological disorders all of his life
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Research published in Personnel Review aimed to better understand how different types of psychological recovery experiences after work impact employee well-being and fatigue. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Graff and Bateman’s unique investigative skills are showcased through a variety of psychological tactics, with a heavy focus on the motives and actions of criminals. Abigail Lee, Variety, 1 July 2025 The White Heart Foundation hosts eco-adventure therapy retreats to help veterans and first responders cope with trauma and psychological stressors from the frontline. Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 1 July 2025 Their unique investigative skills are showcased through psychological tactics, with a heavy focus on the motives and actions of the criminals. Denise Petski, Deadline, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for psychological

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychological was circa 1787

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Cite this Entry

“Psychological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychological. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

psychological

adjective
psy·​cho·​log·​i·​cal ˌsī-kə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce psychological (audio)
variants also psychologic
1
a
: of or relating to psychology
psychological research
b
: of, relating to, or occurring in the mind : mental
psychological distress
psychological disorders
2
: meant to influence the will or mind
psychological warfare
psychologically adverb

Medical Definition

psychological

adjective
psy·​cho·​log·​i·​cal ˌsī-kə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce psychological (audio)
variants also psychologic
1
a
: relating to, characteristic of, directed toward, influencing, arising in, or acting through the mind especially in its affective or cognitive functions
psychological phenomena
the psychological aspects of a problem
b
: directed toward, influencing, or acting on the mind especially in relation to an individual's willpower or behavioral motivation
psychological warfare
2
: relating to, concerned with, deriving from, or used in psychology
psychological research
psychological tests
a psychological clinic
psychologically
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on psychological

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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