psych (up)

verb

ˈsīk How to pronounce psych (up) (audio)
Definition of psych (up)next
as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally I have to psych myself up before every swimming competition

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for psych (up)
  1. brace
  2. fortify
  3. ready
Verb
  • Immediately after the legislation was signed, states began bracing for the substantial pullback of federal support, rural hospital closures, and implementation of burdensome paperwork requirements intended to drive down enrollment.
    — Diana DeGette, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Officials and residents braced for Lala regardless of whether Hawaii takes a direct hit.
    — Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of brace
Verb
  • It’s fortified with vitamins and minerals and contains a probiotic formula for digestive health.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The 78-year-old Larson was poised to be influential inside a potential Democratic majority and has led the party on efforts to expand Social Security benefits and fortify the program into the future.
    — Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of fortify
Verb
  • In the time remaining before November’s general election, Americans should ready themselves for a lot more Democratic shapeshifting.
    — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Taiwan is finding new ways to ready itself for asymmetric conflict with China.
    — Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of ready
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.

Browse Nearby Words

psychs (out)
psych (up)
PT boat
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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 20 Aug. 2026.

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