cathexis
/kəˈθɛksɪs/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
καθέξις — a holding, retention
Overview
Meaning Now
- The concentration of mental energy on a particular person, object, or idea.
Literal older meaning
a holding or retaining
Language path
Ancient Greek → New Latin → English
Earliest form
cathexis
Earliest period
1922
Journey
The term was chosen by James Strachey, the primary translator of Sigmund Freud's complete psychological works, to translate the German word 'Besetzung' (meaning 'occupation' or 'garrisoning'). Strachey sought a Greek-derived equivalent that could capture the sense of 'charging' a mental object with libido.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
καθέξις
“the act of holding or retaining”
Derived from katéchein (to hold down/retain).
- 20th century psychoanalysis
cathexis
“investment of libidinal energy”
Coined by early psychoanalytic translators to render Freud's German term 'Besetzung'.
Connections
Word parts
kata-
prefix
down
hexis
root
a holding or condition
Related across languages
Ancient Greek
κατέχειν
to hold fast
Explore next
Related to cathexis
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.