What are the definitions of “psych out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Work out or anticipate someone's intentions.
We have to try to PSYCH OUT our rivals.
- 2Make someone less confident.
Boxers try to PSYCH their opponents OUT before the fight to gain an advantage.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “psych out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb psych out is to understand or anticipate someone's intentions, often in a competitive situation. It can also mean to make someone less confident or to intimidate them.
What are the different verb forms of “psych out”?
| Root Verb | psych out |
| Third Person Singular Present | psychs out |
| Present Participle | psyching out |
| Simple Past | psyched out |
| Past Participle | psyched out |
Example
We need to psych out the other team's strategy.
Example
She psychs out her opponents in chess by studying their past games.
Example
He is psyching out the competition by analyzing their strengths and weaknesses.
Example
They psyched out their rivals by predicting their moves.
Example
The team was psyched out by their opponents' aggressive tactics.
What kind of phrasal verb is “psych out”?
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 out” 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
She psyched out her opponent by making unexpected moves.
Example
He psyched the other team out with his confidence.
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 out” 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
She psyched out her opponent by making unexpected moves.
Example
He psyched the other team out with his confidence.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “psych out”?
Psych up
To mentally prepare oneself or someone else for a challenging task or event.
Example
The coach psyched up the team with an inspiring speech before the game.
To intimidate or undermine the confidence of one's competitors.
Example
She psyched out the competition by showing off her impressive skills during warm-ups.
Good things to know
Does “psych out” have an informal or formal tone?
Psych out is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations or in the context of sports and competitions. It is not commonly used in formal settings or writing.
