decathect

To decathect means to detach yourself emotionally from a person or thing, especially one that you think you’re going to lose, such as a loved one who is dying. This is typically thought to be a coping mechanism to avoid or lessen the pain of losing a person or thing that you’re emotionally attached to.

Decathect is a formal term used in the context of psychology. It is the opposite of the verb cathect, which means to become emotionally invested in or attached to someone or something.

The process of decathecting is called decathexis.

Example: As my novel got rejected by publisher after publisher, I began to decathect from my dream of becoming a published author.

Decathect is a combination of the word cathect and the prefix de-, which indicates removal or negation (as in words like declutter and dehumidify). The root of both cathect and decathect is the Greek katéchein, meaning “to keep” or “to hold on to.” It was formed as a translation of the German besetzung, which was used by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud to mean “a taking possession of.” (The word catharsis sounds similar and is also used in the context of psychology, but it comes from a different root, the Greek kátharsis, “a cleansing,” from the Greek katharós, “pure.”)

It’s fitting that cathect comes from a word meaning “to hold on to,” since that’s what we want to do to the people and things that we love. When we decathect, we start to let go—often preemptively. Someone might decathect from a dying loved one or pet, a friend who is moving away, or a life goal that doesn’t seem to be possible. This is often done to try to avoid emotional pain, but it can backfire. Many therapists will tell you that it’s healthier to fully go through the grieving process.

What are some other forms related to decathect?

• decathexis (noun)

What are some synonyms for decathect?

• detach
• disengage
• withdraw
• retreat

What are some words that share a root or word element with decathect? 

• cathect (verb)
• cathexis (noun)

What are some words that often get used in discussing decathect?

• psychoanalysis
• coping
• attachment
• loss
• death

Decathect is a rarely used word. It’s a very formal, technical term that most people say in a simpler way, like detach or disengage.

The antidote of course is to decathect from electoral politics and reup in direct action and community engagement

— jb.rb (@jaybeekeeper) March 6, 2020

Word for Today: Decathect – to divest oneself emotionally in anticipation of a loss (like a Chicago Cubs fan)

— ✍ Robin Bloor ✍ (@robinbloor) August 5, 2009

The problem about decathecting is that u need to find a new object and tbh I want no object soooo

— †D0P3† (@contieneunabomb) May 21, 2019

Is decathect used correctly in the following passage?

When I was little and my dog got really sick, I started to decathect. I stopped playing with her so I wouldn’t miss it when she died. I regret not spending those last days with her.