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
  • French authorities were braced for a nationwide general strike over public services and cost-of-living concerns, demonstrations that showcase growing pressure on Europe’s social-welfare model.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Ever since protests turned violent almost three weeks ago, authorities and shopkeepers have braced for similar scenes at every one of these nationwide demonstrations.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of brace
Verb
  • The sole performer who survives this chapter is Miguel Bernardeau, intensely charismatic as the physically frail but spiritually fortified Rafael.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2026
  • With the addition, Bal Harbour Shops grows to 600,000 square feet, and fortifies its offering of many of the world’s most extravagant and coveted designer brands and white tablecloth dining.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of fortify
Verb
  • At the Sacramento County Elections Office, workers were verifying ballot signatures, answering voters’ questions, and removing ballots from envelopes to ready them to run through tabulators.
    — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The market is readying itself for the 2026 midterm election results Tuesday, and investors are already showing signs of caution at the prospect of a Democratic sweep.
    — Sean Conlon, CNBC, 3 Nov. 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 10 Nov. 2026.

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