the act of dissociating or the state of being dissociated
2. chemistry
a.
a reversible chemical change of the molecules of a single compound into two or more other molecules, atoms, ions, or radicals
b.
any decomposition of the molecules of a single compound into two or more other compounds,atoms, ions, or radicals
3.
separation of molecules or atoms that occurs when a liquid or solid changes to a gas
4. psychiatry
the separation of a group of mental processes or ideas from the rest of the personality, so that they lead an independent existence
dissociation in American English
(dɪˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃən; dɪˌsoʊʃiˈeɪʃən)
noun
1.
a dissociating or being dissociated; separation
2. Chemistry
the breaking up of a compound into simpler components, as with heat or a solvent, frequently in a reversible manner so that the components may recombine
3. Psychology
a.
a split in the conscious process in which a group of mental activities breaks away from the main stream of consciousness and functions as a separate unit, as if belonging to another person
b.
the abnormal separation of related ideas, thoughts, or emotions
Derived forms
dissociative (disˈsociˌative)
adjective
Word origin
L dissociatio
Examples of 'dissociation' in a sentence
dissociation
But to insert permanently, it causes dissociation of the personality, leading in many cases to psychiatric illness.
Aldiss, Brian SOMEWHERE EAST OF LIFE (2002)
A serious dissociation... You might even be talking of multiple personality.
Stewart, Michael COMPULSION (2002)
On balance, he felt that hysterical dissociation states - if such was indeed Joanna's case - were really about deception and self-deception.
Stewart, Michael COMPULSION (2002)
He lacked the fear of the infant, the squeamish dissociation which paralyses less manly men.
Ursula K. Le Guin THE BIRTHDAY OF THE WORLD (2002)
Synonyms of 'dissociation'
separation, break, division, distancing
More Synonyms of dissociation
(noun)
a complete dissociation from one another
Synonyms
separation
a permanent separation from his son
break
There is some threat of a break in relations between them.
division
a division into two independent factions
distancing
divorce
Some marriages do end in divorce.
isolation
the isolation he endured while he was in captivity
segregation
a law which will end compulsory racial segregation in prisons
detachment
severance
disengagement
This policy of disengagement from the war had its critics.
disconnection
He hopes for a gradual disconnection from the federation.
disunion
Additional synonyms
in the sense of break
There is some threat of a break in relations between them.
Synonyms
breach,
split,
dispute,
separation,
rift,
rupture,
alienation,
severance,
disaffection,
schism,
estrangement,
disunion,
division
in the sense of detachment
Synonyms
separation,
severing,
disengagement,
disconnection,
disjoining
in the sense of disconnection
He hopes for a gradual disconnection from the federation.