cathexis

[kuh-thek-sis]

noun, plural ca·thex·es [kuh-thek-seez] /kəˈθɛk siz/. Psychoanalysis.

the investment of emotional significance in an activity, object, or idea.

the charge of psychic energy so invested.

Origin of cathexis

1920–25; < New Latin < Greek káthexis a keeping, equivalent to kathek- (variant stem of katéchein to keep, hold on to, equivalent to kat- cat- + échein to have, hold) + -sis -sis, as translation of German Besetzung a taking possession of (Freud's term)

Related formsca·thec·tic

[kuh-thek-tik] /kəˈθɛk tɪk/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for cathexis

Contemporary Examples of cathexis

Drooling over such luxury was supposed to result in a cathexis of the Ralph Lauren label.
The Year of Fashion Photography
Philip Gefter
October 1, 2009

British Dictionary definitions for cathexis

cathexis

noun plural -thexes (-ˈθɛksiːz)

psychoanal concentration of psychic energy on a single goal

Word Origin for cathexis

C20: from New Latin, from Greek kathexis, from katekhein to hold fast, intended to render German Besetzung a taking possession of

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for cathexis

1922, from Latinized form of Greek kathexis "holding, retention," from PIE root *segh- "to hold" (see scheme (n.)). Used by psychologists to render Freud's (libido)besetzung.

cathexis in Medicine

cathexis

[kə-thĕk′sĭs]

n. pl. ca•thex•es (-thĕk′sēz)

Concentration of emotional energy on an object or idea.