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)
Verb
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American Jews have been bracing themselves for further violence since the war in Iran started.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026 -
But the $110 billion sale of WBD to Paramount that Zaslav has orchestrated hung over the festivities, as the industry braces for the thousands of layoffs that will result from the consolidation.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Soon came news of the return of star tight end Travis Kelce, a vital presence whose encore season on the surface doesn’t signify change but figures to be in a modified role as the Chiefs should be compelled to fortify what faded into an erratic wide receiver corps.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
16 Mar. 2026
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Our natural defenses such as mangroves and dunes must be fortified — not destroyed.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Mohammed al-Basha, a Middle East politics-and-security expert, told me that the Houthis have been readying themselves for action.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 Mar. 2026
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At press time, the company is readying its forthcoming stage adaptation of Imitation of Life, set for a Shed premiere with music and lyrics by Legend.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
12 Mar. 2026
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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 19 Mar. 2026.
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