How to pronounce psych
Say it like SYKE. Psych is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce psych. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SYKE
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Psych pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SYKESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of psych
American and British speakers say psych in essentially the same way: /saɪk/ in the US and /saɪk/ in the UK.
British respelling: SYKE.
What does psych mean?
- A psychiatric hospital or other treatment facility; also, a psychiatric department or ward in such a facility.“He had to be involuntarily committed to the psych ward.”
- Chiefly followed by out: to analyze (something), especially psychologically; also (generally), to work out (something).
- Often followed by out: to deceive, intimidate, or otherwise manipulate (someone or oneself) emotionally or using psychology.
- Often followed by up: to put (someone or oneself) into a mental or psychological state where one is ready for some (often challenging) experience; specifically, to make (someone or oneself) enthusiastic or excited about something.“Hip hop always gets me psyched, so I put it on before a race.”
- Of a person: to get into a mental or psychological state where one is ready for some (often challenging) experience; specifically, to make oneself enthusiastic or excited about something.
Where does psych come from?
Clipping of psychiatry and psychology.
Words that rhyme with psych
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of psych.
Questions about saying psych
How do you pronounce psych?
Say SYKE. The American pronunciation is /saɪk/. In British English it is /saɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in psych?
Psych is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SYKE.
Do Americans and Brits say psych the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /saɪk/ and the British form is /saɪk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.