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
But numerous studies show that military children are also more likely to face a range of psychological issues than their nonmilitary peers.
—Anne Ritter, The Conversation, 2 May 2025
The psychological thriller revolves around two sisters who confront their haunted past and a dangerous present when one falls for a charming architect hiding dark secrets linked to gruesome murders.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 2 May 2025
In addition to the physical problems the shoot presented, Lee had also set himself a daunting psychological challenge.
—CBS News, 2 May 2025
Plus, psychological interventions, such as mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and supportive counseling, are more effective in reducing anxiety during pregnancy compared to standard prenatal care.
—Hannah Silverman, Parents, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for psychological
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Anne Ritter, The Conversation, 2 May 2025
The psychological thriller revolves around two sisters who confront their haunted past and a dangerous present when one falls for a charming architect hiding dark secrets linked to gruesome murders.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 2 May 2025
In addition to the physical problems the shoot presented, Lee had also set himself a daunting psychological challenge.
—CBS News, 2 May 2025
Plus, psychological interventions, such as mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and supportive counseling, are more effective in reducing anxiety during pregnancy compared to standard prenatal care.
—Hannah Silverman, Parents, 2 May 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 7 May. 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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