Psychic

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -aɪkɪk

Origin

From Ancient Greek ψυχικός (psukhikos, "relative to the soul, spirit, mind"). Earlier referred to as "psychical"; or from Ancient Greek ψυχή (psukhē, "soul, mind, psyche"). First appeared (as substantive) 1871 and first records 1895.

Online Etymology Dictionary|psychic

Full definition of psychic

Noun

1. A person who possesses, or appears to possess, extra-sensory abilities such as precognition, clairvoyance and telepathy, or who appears to be susceptible to paranormal or supernatural influence.
2. A person who supposedly contacts the dead. A medium.
3. (gnosticism) In gnostic theologian Valentinus' triadic grouping of man the second type; a person focused on intellectual reality (the other two being hylic and pneumatic).

Adjective

1. Relating to the abilities of a psychic.You must be psychic - I was just about to say that.She is a psychic person - she hears messages from beyond.

Related terms

• psychical
• psychological