reverse psychology

American  

noun

1. (in nontechnical use) a method of getting another person to do what one wants by pretending not to want it or to want something else or something more.

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Example Sentences

Over grungy guitars and a slapping drum beat, Taylor taunts them with a touch of reverse psychology.

From BBC

The difference in this Congress isn’t that Speaker Mike Johnson has developed new persuasive skills or become a master of reverse psychology.

From Slate

The agents used reverse psychology to help coax as many of the criminals to the event as possible.

From BBC

She told the BBC the scammer used "reverse psychology" on her and said he had been scammed before himself.

From BBC

By using reverse psychology, it had essentially inspired people to make them think plastic-free toys were possible, an expert in corporate sustainability said.

From Los Angeles Times