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REFERENCE

psychological

adj.
US //ˌsaɪkəˈɫɑdʒɪkəɫ// UK //saɪkəlˈɒdʒɪkəl// psy·cho·log·i·cal
  1. 1 mental and emotional (adj.)
    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.

    Example

    The long journey caused both physical tiredness and psychological stress.

    Example

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

  2. 2 academic study (adj.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

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

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  1. 3 mental tactics (adj.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

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

Origin

From psychology + -ical.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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