v.tr. colloq. 1 (usu. foll. by up; often refl.) prepare (oneself or another person) mentally for an ordeal etc. 2 a (usu. foll. by out) analyse (a person's motivation etc.) for one's own advantage (can't psych him out). b subject to psychoanalysis. 3 (often foll. by out) influence a person psychologically, esp. negatively; intimidate, frighten. psych out break down mentally; become confused or deranged.
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