Cathexis Definition

Origin of Cathexis

• Ancient Greek κάθεξις (kathexis, holding, retention). Entered English language as a translation for the common everyday German word Besetzung, which in this context means "occupation" in the sense of a position or something being occupied or filled, and not a military occupation of a place or the filling of job positions (although it can also mean either of these in other contexts). In English translations, a Greek word was used to be more scientific.

  From Wiktionary

• Greek kathexis holding, retention from katekhein to hold fast kat-, kata- intensive pref. cata– ekhein to hold segh- in Indo-European roots

  From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition