psychological
adjective
psy·cho·log·i·cal
ˌsī-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 
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.
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
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
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Psychological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychological. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
psychological
adjective
psy·cho·log·i·cal
ˌsī-kə-ˈläj-i-kəl
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
Medical Definition
psychological
adjective
psy·cho·log·i·cal
ˌsī-kə-ˈläj-i-kəl
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
-ē
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