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
  • In the end, however, Mitić’s intrepid approach is undeniably bracing, and held together at its core by Kostić’s simmering performance.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
  • As reports of serious head injuries mounted, longtime riders of X2 took to internet forums to question the aging coaster’s increasingly jarring experience and give advice on how riders could brace themselves to avoid a concussion.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of brace
Verb
  • Japan in recent years has fortified its southwestern region with longer range missiles and interceptors.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Defensively, the return of Daley and Wyatt fortifies a line that already had two other starters back in Mario Landino and Tyrique Tucker.
    — Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of fortify
Verb
  • By then the glacier would have received a fresh coating of snow, the sea temperature would be falling again and the residents of Svalbard would be readying themselves for the long polar night.
    — Holden Frith, TheWeek, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Democrats are also readying a major push to encourage voters to cast their ballots early and in person.
    — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 4 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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