Definitions

1. noun

In psychoanalytic theory, the process of attributing emotional value or attachment to an object, idea, or person.

“The patient’s cathexis for her childhood home was still strong, even years after she had moved away.”

2. noun

In psychoanalytic theory, the emotional energy invested in an object, idea, or person.

“The therapist helped the patient understand the source of her cathexis for her boss.”