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psycho

noun

/ˈsaɪ koʊ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of psycho

An individual who exhibits erratic, unstable, or disturbed behavior.
"The documentary delved into the psyche of a convicted psycho killer."

Detailed meaning of psycho

The noun "psycho" is an informal and colloquial term derived from the word "psychopath" or "psychotic." The term "psycho" is commonly associated with someone who displays abnormal or violent tendencies, unpredictable actions, or a lack of empathy and conscience. It is important to note that the term is informal and not a clinical or medical diagnosis. The noun "psycho" is often used in popular culture, movies, and literature to refer to fictional characters who possess extreme and often dangerous psychological traits. While it can be used to describe individuals with severe mental illnesses, it is crucial to approach the term with caution and sensitivity, as it may perpetuate stigmatization or misunderstanding surrounding mental health conditions.

Example sentences containing psycho

1. The movie features a terrifying psycho as the main antagonist.
2. She watched a documentary about notorious psychos in history.
3. He avoided walking alone at night, fearing he might encounter a psycho.
4. The news report warned about the potential danger posed by a local psycho.
5. The novel kept readers on the edge of their seats with its portrayal of a cunning psycho.
6. The detective carefully studied the patterns and motives of the psycho they were pursuing.

History and etymology of psycho

The term 'psycho' has its etymological roots in the word 'psychology.' 'Psycho' is derived from the Greek word 'psykho,' which means 'to breathe' or 'soul.' In the context of psychology, it refers to the mind or mental processes. Over time, the term 'psycho' has been colloquially used to describe individuals who exhibit erratic, unstable, or disturbed behavior, often associated with mental disorders. This usage reflects a shorthand way of referring to someone whose actions or demeanor appear to be influenced by underlying psychological factors. Thus, the etymology of 'psycho' connects it to the broader field of psychology, highlighting the relationship between mental processes and the behaviors observed in individuals who are sometimes colloquially labeled as 'psychos.'

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Further usage examples of psycho

1. The movie's plot revolved around the thrilling cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a psycho.
2. The therapist specialized in treating patients who had encountered psychos in their lives.
3. The true-crime podcast explored the chilling tales of various psychos and their crimes.
4. The horror novel introduced a new twist on the classic psycho character archetype.
5. The survivor shared their harrowing experience of escaping a psycho's clutches.
6. The psycho's behavior became increasingly unpredictable.
7. Dealing with a psycho can be challenging and stressful.
8. The movie featured a chilling portrayal of a psycho killer.
9. It's important to seek help when dealing with a psycho.
10. The psycho's actions left a trail of chaos and confusion.
11. The psycho's motives remained a mystery to investigators.
12. The community was on edge, fearing the psycho's return.
13. The psycho's mental state raised concerns among friends.
14. The therapist specialized in treating psychosocial issues.
15. Detectives worked tirelessly to apprehend the psycho.
16. The psycho's outbursts disrupted the peaceful neighborhood.
17. The film explored the psyche of a troubled psychoanalyst.
18. Coping with a psycho's behavior requires professional help.
19. The psycho's actions left a lasting impact on the victims.
20. Neighbors were wary of the psycho living next door.
21. The psycho's erratic behavior was a cause for concern.
22. The town was gripped by fear during the psycho's reign.
23. The psycho's violent tendencies were well-documented.
24. The psycho's therapist tried to unravel the underlying issues.
25. Understanding the motives of a psycho can be perplexing.