English Reference
adjective

psychological

adj.
US /ˌsaɪkəˈɫɑdʒɪkəɫ/ UK /saɪkəlˈɒdʒɪkəl/ psy·cho·log·i·cal

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    relating to your mind and your feelings rather than your body.

    relating to the mental and emotional state of a person, often contrasted with physical or physiological factors.

    Simple

    The long journey caused both physical tiredness and psychological stress.

    In context

    The therapist focused on the psychological impact of the accident, helping the patient process the trauma that physical medicine could not reach.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Science

    relating to the scientific study of the mind and how it works.

    pertaining to the academic or professional discipline of psychology.

    Simple

    She is reading a psychological report about how children learn to speak.

    In context

    The university's psychological department is conducting a longitudinal study on the effects of social media on adolescent self-esteem.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    intended to influence how someone thinks or feels, often to gain an advantage.

    designed to influence the mental or emotional state of others, often for strategic or competitive purposes.

    Simple

    The team used psychological tricks to make their opponents feel nervous.

    In context

    The negotiator employed various psychological tactics to lower the other party's defenses before making the final offer.

Usage psychological distress · psychological effects · psychological support

The psychological effects relate to exercise’s tendency to improve mood, energy and body image.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026

Because there are rarely visible scars, many survivors are told their symptoms are psychological or, worse, imaginary.

The Conversation· 10 Aug 2026

From psychology + -ical.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated