- actions or statements intended to undermine or mislead someone else, often to gain advantage for oneself: she started playing mind games with me
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
ˈmind ˌgames, n. [plural* used with a plural verb]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- psychological manipulation or strategy, used esp. to gain an advantage or to force someone to do something.
mind′ games′,
mind′ games′, pl.
- psychological manipulation or strategy, used esp. to gain advantage or to intimidate.
- 1970–75
mind′ games′, pl.
- psychological manipulation or strategy, used esp. to gain advantage or to intimidate.
- 1970–75
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
mind games pl n