psychology

 
Pronunciation: /sʌɪˈkɒlədʒi/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behaviour in a given context.
  • 2 [in singular] the mental characteristics or attitude of a person or group: the psychology of child-killers
  • the mental factors governing a situation or activity: the psychology of interpersonal relationships

Origin:

late 17th century: from modern Latin psychologia (see psycho-, -logy)