psyop
psyop Lexical Profile
psyop Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any deceptive media campaign, publicity stunt, or online trend suspected of being covertly orchestrated to manipulate public opinion (used in informal and internet slang).
"Commentators joked that the sudden viral craze for the obscure beverage felt like an elaborate corporate psyop."
A planned military or intelligence operation designed to influence the emotions, motives, and behavior of a target audience through the strategic dissemination of information.
"Historians studied how leaflet drops were used as a psyop to lower morale during the conflict."
• verb
To subject someone to psychological manipulation or covertly influence their beliefs through deceptive tactics (informal).
"Social media algorithms can easily psyop users into believing fringe conspiracy theories."
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-20th century as a syllabic abbreviation of "psychological operation," originating in United States military terminology before entering broader political and internet slang.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.