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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.


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.

The difference in this Congress isn’t that Speaker Mike Johnson has developed new persuasive skills or become a master of reverse psychology.

From Slate • Mar. 15, 2025

The agents used reverse psychology to help coax as many of the criminals to the event as possible.

From BBC • Aug. 7, 2024

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

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

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