Skip to main content

cathexis 

A psychoanalytical term. It's defined as the investment of emotional significance in an activity, object, or idea.

In layman terms, the focus of an obsession.
Guy A: Man, have you seen Joe? What's up with him lately?

Guy B: Being an obsessive stalker like always. This time his cathexis is the girl next door.

Guy A: That's screwed up.
cathexis by edeniz April 25, 2011
cathexis mug front
Get the cathexis mug.
See more merch

cathexis 

The formation of a libidinal investment. The attachment of oneself to a particular external element or a particular alignment of discourse, a role, etc. through the rearticulation of psychological desires/drives which are already present.

The verb for is "to cathect".
His frustration with his father was repressed, but re-emerged through a cathexis in relation to his boss.
cathexis by Andy May 7, 2004
Related Words

cathecism 

A FAQ of religious teaching, especially in Christianity.
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

(The first question of the Westminster Shorter Cathecism)
cathecism by thirtynine May 7, 2008

Cathewish 

When half your family is catholic and the other half is Jewish
What are you if your mother is Jewish and your father is Catholic ? Cathewish...
Cathewish by Retroguy October 6, 2017

Catheist 

A person who believes that there are no other gods in existence, apart from cats.
Dude1: what's your religion man?

Dude2: im a catheist
Dude1: wtf is that?
Dude2: I only believe in gods, insofar as they're cats

Dude1: rad
Catheist by platonymous August 6, 2022

liquid lunch 

A lunchbreak comprised entirely of alcoholic beverages, and no food.
"With all the lay-offs that morning, it was rough. I hit the bar around the corner for a liquid lunch mid-day."
liquid lunch by Alexandra July 27, 2004
Word of the Day on June 21, 2026
Dunzo, a slang word for done/finshed. Made famous by the Laguna Beach cast.
This car is so dunzo. (Kristin's car breaks down.)
dunzo by Joey Pellet December 8, 2004
Word of the Day on June 20, 2026