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
  • These studies compared back support braces either on their own, with no other interventions, or their use in conjunction with other pain management recommendations such as physical activity and/or medication.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Transit agencies are bracing for 10 million to 15 million spectators and a million extra Metro transit trips.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of brace
Verb
  • Iodized table salt is mined from underground deposits, processed to remove other minerals and fortified with iodine, which is important for thyroid health and proper hormone production.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Bucky Irving is also healthy again, though the team added Kenneth Gainwell to fortify the backfield.
    — Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of fortify
Verb
  • After suffering through a post-pandemic downturn, the gaming industry is readying an onslaught of fall releases in the hopes of turning the sector back toward growth.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The battery charges itself, and the primer pump readies the carb before starting.
    — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 10 Sep. 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 13 Sep. 2026.

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