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

See Examples For:

reverse psychology

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

From BBC ● Oct. 3, 2025

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 ● Aug. 7, 2023

As Mr. Martino told it, his father lured him into music using a bit of reverse psychology, forbidding him to touch a guitar stored under the bed.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 2, 2021

Yet Shmorgoner didn’t understand — she thought he was either patronizing her or using reverse psychology.

From New York Times ● Aug. 3, 2021

It was like she performed some sort of southern reverse psychology that Genie had never witnessed before.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds