To save this word, you'll need to log in.
psy·cho·log·i·cal | \ ˌsī-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 
\
\variants:
or less commonly psychologic \ ˌsī-kə-ˈlä-jik \
\Definition of psychological
1a : of or relating to psychology
b : mental
2 : directed toward the will or toward the mind specifically in its conative function
psychological warfare
Keep scrolling for more
Other Words from psychological
psychologically \ ˌsī-kə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē \ adverb
\ adverb
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 The findings suggest that psychological, social and economic stress related to the coronavirus are associated with the increase.
—
Fox News, "'Broken Heart Syndrome' has increased during coronavirus pandemic, study shows," 12 July 2020 Doctors commonly attribute it to psychological, social or emotional stress, indicating tension could be peaking amid the pandemic.
—
cleveland, "Yes, broken-heart syndrome is real - the Cleveland Clinic says COVID-19 is causing it: The Wake Up podcast," 10 July 2020 Excessive use can interfere with work and school and harm psychological and social functioning.
—
David Rosenberg, CNN, "Excessive hand-washing. Tech addiction. Behaviors once considered extreme are now crucial to protect us amid a dangerous pandemic," 29 June 2020 These men suffered greater psychological and health problems such as heart disease and hypertension.
—
Richard J. Reddick, Fortune, "We can’t breathe at work, either: John Henryism and the health impact of racism," 19 June 2020 Historically, Black people have been viewed as strong enough to bear life’s psychological, financial and social burdens without breaking.
—
NBC News, "I'm a Black therapist, and this is why neglecting your mental health could be lethal today," 17 June 2020 Excessive use can interfere with work and school and harm psychological and social functioning.
—
David Rosenberg, The Conversation, "Are we all OCD now, with obsessive hand-washing and technology addiction?," 15 June 2020 Adults and children recovering from severe cases might experience neurological issues, loss of strength, psychological distress, anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder, Wagner said.
—
Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, "Donald Trump claims 99% of coronavirus cases are 'totally harmless.' The 'long haulers' with lingering symptoms say he's wrong.," 8 July 2020 Alba sent National Geographic show chimps plucking their hair and rocking back and forth—behaviors that have been widely documented in studies as indicators of psychological distress.
—
Greg Kahn, National Geographic, "Sanctuary for retired lab chimps embroiled in dispute over quality of its care," 8 July 2020
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'psychological.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for psychological
psychological
adjectiveEnglish Language Learners Definition of psychological
: of or relating to the mind
: of or relating to the study of the mind : of or relating to psychology
See the full definition for psychological in the English Language Learners Dictionary
psychological
adjectivepsy·cho·log·i·cal | \ ˌsī-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl \
\Kids Definition of psychological
: of or relating to psychology or the mind
psychological research psychological distress
psychological
adjectivepsy·cho·log·i·cal | \ ˌsī-kə-ˈläj-i-kəl \
\variants:
also psychologic \ -ik \
\Medical Definition of psychological
1a : 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 the will or toward the mind specifically in its conative function
psychological warfare
2 : relating to, concerned with, deriving from, or used in psychology psychological research psychological tests a psychological clinic
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on psychological
What made you want to look up psychological? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Original Meanings Quiz
- Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Share psychological
Time Traveler for psychological
The first known use of psychological was circa 1688
See more words from the same year