What does psychologic mean?
Psychologic means relating to psychology, the mind, or emotions, and it can describe mental or emotional effects as well as strategies that influence attitudes and behavior. Its best-established use is in the expression “psychologic warfare,” which refers to efforts to weaken an opponent’s confidence, morale, or determination without relying solely on physical force. In everyday and academic prose, “psychological” is generally the preferred form because it is much more common and familiar. The shorter adjective can sound technical or institutional, especially in North American usage, but it carries essentially the same meaning as its standard counterpart. It is useful when discussing the emotional and mental dimensions of an experience, especially where the emphasis is on the effect on the mind rather than the body.
adjectiveOf or relating to the mind or emotions. The word is chiefly used in specialized contexts, especially “psychologic warfare,” and is less common than “psychological.”
- Relating to psychology, the mind, or emotions.
"The campaign was designed to undermine the enemy’s morale through psychologic pressure."
"The negotiators faced intense psychologic pressure from the other side."
"Psychologic support was provided to children affected by the disaster."
The uncommon “psychologic” is best remembered from the phrase “psychologic warfare,” where the weapon is the mind rather than the body.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of psychologic
The word comes from Greek psykhē, meaning “soul,” “mind,” or “breath,” combined with the suffix -logikos, meaning “pertaining to study or knowledge.” The resulting family includes “psychology,” “psychological,” and “psychological warfare.” “Psychologic” developed as a less common English adjective corresponding to “psychology” and was especially associated with military and psychological studies.
Related word forms
How psychologic is actually used
This is a less common alternative to “psychological.” It is especially associated with North American English and fixed expressions such as “psychologic warfare.” In general prose, “psychological” is normally clearer and more idiomatic.
Easily confused with psychologic
“Psychological” is the much more common and broadly used adjective, while “psychologic” is a relatively uncommon variant often found in specialized or North American usage.
“Psychological” concerns the mind, emotions, and behavior, whereas “physiological” concerns bodily processes and functions.