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

See Examples For:

reverse psychology

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

Yet Shmorgoner didn’t understand — she thought he was either patronizing her or using reverse psychology.

From New York Times ● Aug. 3, 2021

Apparently, my reverse psychology trick has not worked as well as I’d hoped.

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---