cathect

verb

ca·​thect kə-ˈthekt How to pronounce cathect (audio)
ka-
cathected; cathecting; cathects

transitive verb

: to invest with mental or emotional energy

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from cathectic

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cathect was in 1936

Rhymes for cathect

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Browse Nearby Words

cathead line
cathect
cathectic
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Cite this Entry

“Cathect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cathect. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

cathect

transitive verb
ca·​thect kə-ˈthekt, ka- How to pronounce cathect (audio)
: to invest with mental or emotional energy
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