dissociate
dissociate Lexical Profile
dissociate Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To disconnect, separate, or distance oneself or something from an association, group, or idea.
"The board of directors voted to dissociate the charity from the controversial political campaign."
To experience a mental disconnection from one's immediate surroundings, thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity (in psychology and psychiatry).
"Patients who have endured severe trauma sometimes dissociate as an involuntary defense mechanism."
To split or cause a chemical compound to split reversibly into simpler molecules, atoms, or ions (in chemistry).
"Strong acids dissociate completely into ions when dissolved in water."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'dissociate' and 'disassociate' are interchangeable in general contexts meaning to sever an association, 'dissociate' is the standard, preferred term in chemistry and psychology.
• Rhymes for dissociate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin dissociatus, the past participle of dissociare ('to separate from fellowship'), formed from dis- ('apart') and sociare ('to join or unite'), from socius ('companion').