DISSOCIATE | Definition and Meaning

Definition of Dissociate

Dissociate

dis·so·ci·ate

Definition/Meaning

(verb)

to separate or disconnect something or to become thus separate or disconnected, usually figuratively, especially to declare that one is not associated with or supportive of someone/something;

e.g. It is impossible to dissociate the holiday of Christmas from the spirit of giving. She tried to dissociate from them to show that she did not agree with their actions.

(verb)

to split off a part of one's mental being or activity from one's main consciousness, often as a means of coping with trauma or distress;

e.g. Feelings of extreme fear can cause one to dissociate as a form of mental escape.

(verb)

to split or break down into separate parts, often reversibly, especially used to describe the process of a molecule dividing into ions, atoms, or smaller molecules;

e.g. Strong acids dissociate when dissolved in water as their protons separate away.