to cathect
1
9.9
- verb
- /kəˈθɛkt/
- Specialized
- It is therefore not surprising that such substitution is apt to engender secondary problems, as the role of the cathected object is contrived.
- cathected object
Examples
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She tends to cathect her ideas, pouring her heart and soul into every project.
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These efforts are motivated by an outward flow of libido, which cathects worldly projects and identifications.
Academic text (1990) -
In that same critical letter to Fliess in September 1897, Freud demonstrated clearly his fundamental change of position when he stated: "Then, the certain insight that there are no indications of reality in the unconscious, so that one cannot distinguish between truth and fiction that has been cathected with affect.
Academic text (1990) -
Many people cathect their childhood toys, feeling a deep emotional connection to them.
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Individuals often cathect significant relationships, investing their emotional energy in their closest friends.
Antonyms
How Invested
Surface Forms
Etymology
Cathect comes from the Greek word kathexis, which means 'holding' or 'possession'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of 'holding' your feelings on someone or something, because to cathect means to put strong emotional energy into a person, idea, or object.