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
  • The state’s growing population is increasing energy demands at the same time that more severe weather and high wildfire risk are driving the company to fortify its system for delivering power to its customers.
    — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Other art pieces are affixed to concrete pads, which helps fortify them.
    — Jen Guadarrama, IndyStar, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of fortify
Verb
  • The zoo’s veterinary team collaborated with cancer specialists at nearby University of Liverpool to adapt an emerging treatment called electrochemotherapy, readying it for first-time use in a snake.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • On Tuesday, OpenAI executives said the industry would need a more expansive strategy for readying itself for future models.
    — Deepa Seetharaman, USA Today, 19 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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