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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.

See Examples For:

Over grungy guitars and a slapping drum beat, Taylor taunts them with a touch of reverse psychology.

From BBC Oct. 3, 2025

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

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

“The whole film is reverse psychology on what we know as the western and puts up a mirror.”

From New York Times Nov. 5, 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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