psych out

B2 informal separable transitive

In simple words

to get into someone's head and make them nervous

Literal meaning: Literally, to affect someone's mind and push them out of confidence.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

common

to make someone feel nervous, confused, or less confident, often on purpose

"He kept staring at his opponent, trying to psych him out before the match."

Grammar: separable

2 B2 idiomatic informal

common

to mentally unsettle yourself by overthinking or worrying

"Don't psych yourself out before the interview."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

Common in sports, school, and social situations. Often implies deliberate psychological pressure.

opponent rival other team before the game test-takers competitors

Base

psych out

I/you/we/they

3rd person

psyches out

he/she/it

Past simple

psyched out

yesterday

Past participle

psyched out

have + pp

-ing form

psyching out

continuous

Try:

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intimidate rattle unsettle throw off get inside someone's head unnerve

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