Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

mind-games

Noun

/maɪnd ɡeɪmz/

Definition

Mind games are psychological strategies used to manipulate or control someone’s perceptions, emotions, and behavior.

Examples

In competitive sports, players sometimes engage in mind games to throw off their opponents.
She realized he was just playing mind games with her feelings.
The politician’s use of mind games during debates was intended to manipulate public perception.

Meaning

The term ‘mind games’ often refers to tactics employed in situations of competition or conflict, where one individual tries to create doubt or confusion in another’s mind to gain an advantage.