psych
verb (used with object)
to make happily excited or full of eager anticipation.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Of course, there are limits to taking a Panglossian attitude and psyching ourselves up in the face of challenges.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 21, 2025
“When I look at a combination of attributes of a player, I think Micah has no problem psyching himself up to a rage,” Jones said.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 20, 2023
“He’s not thinking. We came in together and you can be worried about your future a little bit, what’s going to happen. You start psyching yourself out. I think he’s just playing free.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 5, 2021
I have to spend hours psyching myself up before I call, and it’s like talking to a stranger.
From Slate ● Mar. 14, 2019
“Nope. I’ve been preparing for this grudge match for a whole year. He’s good at psyching me. But not this time,” Ben said.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
