Find over 25,000 psychological definitions


word approximation

a speech disturbance in which conventional words are used in unconventional or inappropriate ways (as in metonymy), or new but understandable words are constructed out of ordinary words (e.g., easify for simplify).

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

March 17th 2025

mantra

mantra

n.

1. in Hinduism and Buddhism, a sacred utterance, such as a syllable, phrase, or hymn (often in Sanskrit).

2. any verbal formula used for spiritual, religious, or meditative purposes to help block out extraneous thoughts and induce a state of relaxation that enables the individual to reach a deeper level of consciousness. See also concentrative meditation; transcendental meditation. Compare yantra.