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REFERENCE

psychic

n. · adj.
US //ˈsaɪkɪk// UK //sˈaɪkɪk// psy·chic
  1. 1 a person with supernatural powers (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    someone who says they can see the future or know things using special mental powers.

    a person who claims to possess extrasensory perception (ESP), such as telepathy or precognition.

    Example

    The psychic predicted that I would meet someone important during my trip.

    Example

    Despite the lack of scientific evidence, many people still consult a psychic when they are facing difficult life decisions or seeking closure.
    • clairvoyant
    • fortune teller
  2. 2 relating to the mind (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    relating to your mind or your spirit rather than your body.

    relating to the human psyche or mind; mental rather than physical in nature.

    Example

    The doctor said the patient's pain might have a psychic cause rather than a physical one.

    Example

    The therapist explored the patient's psychic trauma, looking for deep-seated emotional patterns established during early childhood.
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  1. 3 having supernatural powers (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having or using special powers that cannot be explained by science.

    pertaining to phenomena that appear to be outside of physical or natural laws, specifically involving extrasensory abilities.

    Example

    Some people believe that animals have a psychic ability to sense danger before it happens.

    Example

    The investigator remained skeptical of the woman's psychic claims, searching instead for a logical explanation for the strange occurrences.
Origin

From Ancient Greek ψυχικός (psukhikós, “relative to the soul, spirit, mind”). Earlier referred to as "psychical"; or from Ancient Greek ψυχή (psukhḗ, “soul, mind, psyche”). First appeared (as substantive) 1871 and first records 1895.

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