Definition

To examine someone's thoughts and feelings in order to understand their behavior and emotions, often using techniques from psychology.

Example

The therapist will psychoanalyze her patients to help them understand their issues better.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how therapists psychoanalyze their patients?

Yeah, it seems like such an interesting process to understand someone's mind.

I wonder if they ever get tired of trying to psychoanalyze everyone they meet.

Probably! But it must also help them in everyday conversations.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Psychoanalyze → It is formed from "psycho-" (from Greek "psukhē", meaning soul or mind) and "analyze" (from Greek "analusis", meaning to unloosen or break down). The word refers to the process of breaking down or examining the mind or soul.

Memory Tip

Think of 'psycho-' relating to the mind and 'analyze' meaning to break down — this helps you remember that psychoanalyze means to examine the mind.

Visually Confused Words