C20: from New Latin, from Greek kathexis, from katekhein to hold fast, intended to render German Besetzung a taking possession of
cathexis in American English
(kəˈθɛksɪs)
noun
Psychoanalysis
concentration of psychic energy on some particular person, thing, idea, or aspect of the self
Word origin
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