1. to intimidate or unnerve someone psychologically
Usage: informal
2. to prepare oneself mentally for something challenging
Usage: informal; often used with ‘up’

1. psychology as a subject of study
Usage: informal; short for psychology

Examples

• The opposing team tried to psych us out before the big game.
• She psyched herself up for the job interview.
• Don’t let his trash talk psych you.
• I need to psych up before giving this presentation.
• He’s majoring in psych at the university.
• The coach’s speech really psyched the players.
• She took several psych courses in college.