psychologist

American

[sahy-kol-uh-jist] / saɪˈkɒl ə dʒɪst /

noun

a specialist in psychology.
Philosophy. an adherent to or advocate of psychologism.

adjective

Also psychologistic. of or relating to psychologism.

Etymology

Origin of psychologist

First recorded in 1720–30; psycholog(y) + -ist

Compare meaning

How does psychologist compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Explanation

A psychologist is a scientist who studies the mind. Unless specified, you should assume the psychologist studies the human mind — as opposed to, for example, a pet psychologist. A psychologist can be a researcher, who makes abstract studies of mental disorders and their treatments. Or, a psychologist can be licensed to see and treat patients, offering therapy for mental conditions or behavioral issues. The word comes from two Latin root, psyche, meaning "soul, mind, and spirit," and logia, meaning "the study of." Unlike a psychiatrist, a psychologist does not have a medical degree, and therefore cannot prescribe medication.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing psychologist

Wonder Woman's Superpower Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Dear Martin

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Booked

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!

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.

By 2019, Fraire was employed at World Market in Burbank and working toward a psychology degree at Glendale Community College with the goal of eventually becoming a psychologist, according to court records and interviews.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

Before taking a buyout and leaving the workforce, it’s important to mentally prepare yourself for what this will mean for your well-being, said Maggie Mulqueen, a psychologist who works with retirees.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

In an advert posted by Spurs on social media platform LinkedIn, external, the club said they are seeking an "outstanding performance psychologist" to deliver "evidence-based psychological support to elite players".

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

In this Money Talks: Elizabeth Spiers is joined by psychologist Dr. Leanne ten Brinke whose new book, Poisonous People, explores the impact that people with psychopathic and related personality traits have on our everyday lives.

From Slate • Apr. 14, 2026

At this point the psychologist was called in to talk about how we could find a better way to support one another, particularly Eliza.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023