mind games

American  

plural noun

1. psychological manipulation or strategy, used especially to gain advantage or to intimidate.

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mind games British  

plural noun

1. actions or statements intended to undermine or mislead someone else, often to gain advantage for oneself

   she started playing mind games with me

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Etymology

Origin of mind games

1970–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mind games

But Bill Plaschke’s argument that he was tired of the mind games LeBron supposedly was playing is a terrible take.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 4, 2026

But for the Mexican national team, the mind games were just beginning.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 10, 2026

If so, Bompastor would not be the first Blues boss to play media mind games.

From BBC ● Jan. 24, 2026

For the next several hours, Nick and Honey serve as unwitting pawns in the older couple’s clever, but vicious, mind games.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2025

Remembering my discussion with Grandma about playing mind games, I examined it as if it were a precious treasure.

From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals