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
  • The specifics are needed, as Baldwin’s words bring bracing, embittered context to the film’s lustrous European tour.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Hungary is bracing for a full shutdown of a nuclear plant as the Danube River hits record lows.
    — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of brace
Verb
  • Getty Images The New York Mets are one of the few sure-fire sellers at this point before the MLB trade deadline, putting several veterans under the spotlight as potential chips for opposing contenders searching to fortify going into October.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Paramount now must strengthen its case for a high-stakes trial while fortifying Paramount’s existing businesses and managing uncertainty among the employee base.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of fortify
Verb
  • Adidas was also readying itself for the women’s World Cup soccer tournament which will take place next year in Brazil.
    — Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
  • Advertisement Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) readies his men for a final march in Episode 5 of House of the Dragon Season 3.
    — Megan McCluskey, Time, 27 July 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 4 Aug. 2026.

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