What are the definitions of “psych up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Prepare someone mentally.
I PSYCHED myself UP for the exam.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “psych up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb psych up is to prepare someone mentally or emotionally for a challenging situation, such as a competition, performance, or exam. It often involves increasing one's confidence, motivation, or focus.
What are the different verb forms of “psych up”?
| Root Verb | psych up |
| Third Person Singular Present | psychs up |
| Present Participle | psyching up |
| Simple Past | psyched up |
| Past Participle | psyched up |
Example
I need to psych myself up before the big game.
Example
She psychs herself up before every performance.
Example
He is psyching himself up for the job interview.
Example
Yesterday, they psyched themselves up for the competition.
Example
The team was psyched up and ready for the match.
What kind of phrasal verb is “psych up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“psych up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The coach psyched the team up before the game.
Example
She psyched herself up for the presentation.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“psych up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The coach psyched the team up before the game.
Example
She psyched herself up for the presentation.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “psych up”?
Good things to know
Does “psych up” have an informal or formal tone?
Psych up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations or everyday speech. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'mentally prepare' or 'boost confidence' may be more appropriate.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “psych up”?
Synonyms
Antonyms
- discourage
- dishearten
- unnerve
- intimidate
- frighten
- demotivate
- dampen spirits
