psychic

American  

[sahy-kik] / ˈsaɪ kɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the human soul or mind; mental.

2. Psychology. pertaining to or noting mental phenomena.

3. outside of natural or scientific knowledge; spiritual.

4. of or relating to some apparently nonphysical force or agency.

   psychic research;

   psychic phenomena.

5. sensitive to influences or forces of a nonphysical or supernatural nature.

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noun

1. a person who is allegedly sensitive to psychic influences or forces; medium.

psychic British  

/ ˈsaɪkɪk /

adjective

1. 1. outside the possibilities defined by natural laws, as mental telepathy

   2. (of a person) sensitive to forces not recognized by natural laws

2. mental as opposed to physical; psychogenic

3. bridge (of a bid) based on less strength than would normally be required to make the bid

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noun

1. a person who is sensitive to parapsychological forces or influences

Other Word Forms

• interpsychic
  adjective
• nonpsychic
  adjective
• nonpsychical
  adjective
• psychical
  adjective
• psychically
  adverb
• unpsychic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of psychic

First recorded in 1855–60; from Greek psȳchikós “of the soul”; see Psyche, -ic

Explanation

A psychic reads minds and predicts the future. If you were a psychic, you wouldn't have bothered reading this because you would have known what I was going to say. Psychic can also describe something that has to do with your mind more than your body. You weren't physically harmed when your favorite team lost the championship game, but the psychic pain was considerable. Psychic comes from a Greek word meaning “breath” and “soul”: psychic matters are often felt but not seen.

Example Sentences

The New England Society for Psychic Research announced Rivera’s death July 14, days after Rivera and another member of his team were seen hauling the doll into the Gettysburg Orphanage for a then-upcoming event.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2025

"In about 2004 I was in a band called Psychic Spies and we were due to play some pub in Neath," said Gene.

From BBC • Sep. 2, 2023

In the ’90s, you got involved in the Psychic Friends Network.

From New York Times • Jan. 1, 2023

When I was a kid, my dad occasionally took me to Cassadaga, about an hour outside Orlando, known to some as the Psychic Capital of the World.

From Washington Post • Oct. 28, 2021

"One day, you're going to be best friends. You'll see," she'd say with as much conviction as the Psychic Friends Network.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Related Words

• mental
• metaphysical
• psychological
• spiritual
• supernatural