psych up

B2 informal separable both

In simple words

to make yourself feel ready and confident before something hard

Literal meaning: Literally, to raise someone's psychological state.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

very common

to make yourself feel confident, excited, and ready to do something difficult

"I listened to music to psych myself up before the presentation."

Grammar: separable

2 B2 idiomatic informal

common

to encourage or stimulate another person or group mentally before an event

"The coach tried to psych the team up before kickoff."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

Very common in sports, performance, exams, and difficult conversations. Often used reflexively: 'psych yourself up'.

for the game for the interview before the exam team players yourself

Base

psych up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

psyches up

he/she/it

Past simple

psyched up

yesterday

Past participle

psyched up

have + pp

-ing form

psyching up

continuous

Try:

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motivate fire up pump up gear up prepare mentally work oneself up

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