as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
I have to psych myself up before every swimming competition
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for psych (up)
Verb
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In the three years between Special and Bitch, Lizzo began bracing herself for a sharp decline in public interest by creating music that existed on the outskirts of what audiences came to know her for.
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Now, as traders fear the bitcoin house of cards could be collapsing, the market is braced for the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation to cement an interest rate hike later this year.
Verb
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MonthiraYodtiwong/Getty Images Few sources of income are as legally fortified as a federal disability check.
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The Greens made a key alliance with the Triarchy to fortify its naval forces.
Verb
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The goal ended up being the last kick of the game, as the referee blew for full-time right as the USA was readying to restart the match.
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The new Meta frames arrive as Apple readies its own smart glasses, expected late next year.
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Cite this Entry
“Psych (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/psych%20%28up%29. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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