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
  • But my personal come-to-Jesus moment was the bottle of Berlucchi ’61 Brut Nature, a sparkling wine from Franciacorta made in the traditional Champagne method, bone-dry and bracing.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The kingdom braces for the war on the horizon in this new Norse saga, as other Scandinavian kings and even an English king are drawn into the chaos.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of brace
Verb
  • City officials have been frantically preparing for Rachel, building sand berms and fortifying vulnerable areas with sandbags.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The 10% pure L-ascorbic acid works to fight against free radical damage and even out skin tone, while a blend of hyaluronic acid and ceramides helps hydrate skin and fortify the skin barrier.
    — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of fortify
Verb
  • The city is readying itself for the future, and the renovations at the Park Hyatt Milan feel aligned with that project.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Now with almost two years under de La Faverie’s belt, Zannino laid out the priorities for the year ahead as the enterprise readies itself for the future.
    — Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 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 16 Oct. 2026.

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