Disassociate: meaning, definitions and examples

Primarily used in psychological or formal contexts to describe the process of removing oneself mentally or emotionally from a situation, person, or identity.

• She tried to disassociate herself from the traumatic experience.
• The politician disassociated from the controversial comments made by his party.

Typically used to refer to breaking an electrical, digital, or communicative connection; can also be used metaphorically to refer to emotional or social disconnection.

• She disconnected the phone from the charger.
• After the argument, they chose to disconnect for a while.

Commonly used to indicate dividing or keeping things apart physically, emotionally, or in terms of relationships; used in both formal and informal contexts.

• Please separate the waste into recyclables and non-recyclables.
• The couple decided to separate after many years together.

General term used to indicate physically or emotionally removing something from something else; can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

• He detached the painting from the wall.
• It is important to detach yourself from distractions while studying.

Used for intense contexts to indicate a complete cutting off or ending of something, whether physical (like cutting) or relationships; often carries a negative connotation.

• He had to sever the rope to free the boat.
• They decided to sever all ties after the disagreement.