kəˈtheksə̇s, ka- noun
( plural cathex·es -kˌsēz)
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek kathexis holding, from katechein to hold fast, occupy, from kata- cata- + echein to have, hold; intended as translation of German besetzung, literally, act of occupying — more at scheme
1. : the investment of libidinal energy in a person, object, idea, or activity
2. : libidinal energy that is either invested or being invested