psychology
noun
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The Roots of Psychology
The word psychology was formed by combining the Greek psychē (meaning “breath, principle of life, life, soul,”) with –logia (which comes from the Greek logos, meaning “speech, word, reason”). An early use appears in Nicholas Culpeper’s mid-17th century translation of Simeon Partliz’s A New Method of Physick, in which it is stated that “Psychologie is the knowledg of the Soul.” Today, psychology is concerned with the science or study of the mind and behavior. Many branches of psychology are differentiated by the specific field to which they belong, such as animal psychology, child psychology, and sports psychology.
Examples of psychology in a Sentence
Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 13 June 2024
New research shows that although Russians in… Why Moscow Says No
Too often over the last decades, policymakers in Washington have viewed Moscow’s resistance to U.S. policies through the lens of psychology.
—Daniel Treisman, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
In the film, Glen Powell plays a psychology professor who works for a police department undercover, pretending to be a killer for hire.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2024
As to why so many Americans remain glum about the nation's financial picture, Hogan believes human psychology and an election year both come into play.
—Kate Gibson, CBS News, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for psychology 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'psychology.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Psychology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychology. Accessed 27 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
psychology
noun
from scientific Latin psychologia "the study of the mind and behavior," derived from Greek psychē "soul, mind" and Greek -logia "science, study"
Medical Definition
psychology
noun
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