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.

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Example Sentences

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

I also said Adele wouldn't release an album this year - but that was an act of reverse psychology that was 100% responsible for the release of 30 in November.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2021

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

“His reverse psychology was that if it was a 50/50 play, I might be more inclined to go his way for fear of what the public may think,” Steratore said.

From New York Times • Feb. 1, 2019

Annabelle wonders if she’s a victim of reverse psychology.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti