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.
Phrases and idioms:
psych out break down mentally; become confused or deranged.
Etymology: abbr.