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cathexis definition

ca·thexis (kə t̸heks′is)

noun

Psychoanalysis concentration of psychic energy on some particular person, thing, idea, or aspect of the self

Etymology: ModL < Gr kạthexis, a holding (< katechein, to hold fast < kata-, down + echein, to hold > OE sige, victory): transl. of Ger besetzung, as used by Freud

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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