A conscious or unconscious attachment of psychic energy to an idea, object, or person. [G. kathexis, a holding in, retention]
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1) investment of mental or emotional energy in a person, object, or idea
2) libidinal energy that is either invested or being invested
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ca·thex·is (kə-thekґsis) [Gr. kathexis a retaining] in psychiatry, conscious or unconscious investment of psychic energy in a person, idea, or any other object. cathectic adjMedical dictionary. 2011.