Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
cathexis
Noun
/kəˈθɛk.sɪs/
Definition
A psychological term referring to the investment of mental or emotional energy in a person, object, or idea.
Examples
- Her cathexis on her childhood home influenced many of her life choices.
- The therapist explained that his cathexis towards his career helped him to find purpose.
Meaning
Cathexis is often used in psychoanalysis and refers to the attachments and emotional significance we assign to certain aspects of our lives.
Synonyms
- Investment
- Attachment
- Emotional charge
