Cathexis
/kəˈθɛk.sɪs/noun
In psychoanalysis, the concentration of mental or emotional energy on a person, idea, or object.
Did you know?Cathexis was coined in psychoanalytic language from Greek roots meaning to ‘hold down’ or ‘occupy,’ turning an ancient idea of possession into a term for psychic attachment.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
katekhein
“to hold down, keep back, occupy”
19th Century
German
Besetzung
“occupation, investment of psychic energy (Freudian technical usage)”
1920s
English
cathexis
“psychoanalytic term for the investment of mental energy in an idea or object”
Modern English
English
cathexis
“the focusing of emotional or mental energy on something”