dissociation
dissociation Lexical Profile
dissociation Game Scores & Validity
• noun
In psychology and psychiatry, a mental process involving a disconnection between a person's thoughts, memories, feelings, surroundings, or sense of identity, often occurring as a response to trauma.
"During the therapy session, the patient described experiencing episodes of dissociation after the accident."
The action of disconnecting or separating from something, or the state of being disconnected.
"The company announced its complete dissociation from the controversial lobbying group."
In chemistry, the reversible splitting of a molecule or ionic compound into simpler particles, such as atoms, ions, or radicals.
"The acidity of the solution depends on the degree of dissociation of the acid molecules in water."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused with 'disassociation'; while both mean separation or disconnection in general usage, 'dissociation' is the standard and required term in psychology, psychiatry, and chemistry.
• Rhymes for dissociation
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Latin dissociatio ('a separating'), a noun of action from dissociare ('to separate from fellowship, disjoin'), formed from dis- ('apart') and sociare ('to join, associate'), from socius ('companion, ally').