psychological warfare

The use of threats, intimidation, or other such tactics to try to bring about a particular outcome. The government's dropping of leaflets announcing the bombings was really just psychological warfare to weaken the enemy's morale. All right, I'll go to the family dinner, if only to get Mom to stop guilt-tripping me. I swear it's like psychological warfare with her!

the psychological moment

The time at which someone or something is most able or likely to achieve success or desired result. The devastation of the country was the psychological moment for the dictator to seize power. The attack on the region created the psychological moment for the two rival nations to finally put aside their differences and join forces.

the ˌpsychological ˈmoment

the best time to do something in order for it to be successful: The publication of her first novel came at the psychological moment, and she became well known very quickly.