Disassociate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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disassociate
[dɪsəˈsoʊsiˌeɪt ]
Definition
formal
To disconnect or separate from someone or something. To end a connection or association with someone or something.
Synonyms
detach, disconnect, separate, sever.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| disassociate |
Primarily used in psychological or formal contexts to describe the process of removing oneself mentally or emotionally from a situation, person, or identity.
|
| disconnect |
Typically used to refer to breaking an electrical, digital, or communicative connection; can also be used metaphorically to refer to emotional or social disconnection.
|
| separate |
Commonly used to indicate dividing or keeping things apart physically, emotionally, or in terms of relationships; used in both formal and informal contexts.
|
| detach |
General term used to indicate physically or emotionally removing something from something else; can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
|
| sever |
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.
|
Examples of usage
- He decided to disassociate himself from the controversial project.
- She chose to disassociate from the group due to ideological differences.
- The company decided to disassociate from its previous partner.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychological terms, it refers to a mental process where a person disconnects thoughts, memories, or emotions.
- Dissociative disorders, such as dissociative identity disorder, involve extreme forms of this separation.
- It's often a defense mechanism against trauma or stress, allowing a person to cope by detaching from reality.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often disassociate during intense scenes to escape fear, emphasizing the mental break.
- The term is sometimes used in self-help contexts, where people discuss 'disassociating' from negative thoughts or relationships.
- Popular songs and books also explore themes of disassociation, illustrating a sense of loss or searching for identity.
Science
- Research in neuroscience shows that disassociation can affect how the brain processes experiences and emotions.
- It is linked to brain functions that regulate memory and emotional responses, revealing complex psychological interactions.
- Functional MRI studies have shown that distinct brain regions are activated in individuals who experience disassociative states.
Literature
- Various literary works explore themes of disassociation, using characters who experience separation from their identities or realities.
- Classic and contemporary authors often depict protagonists who grapple with disassociated feelings, representing broader human struggles.
- Poetry, too, uses disassociation as a device to convey emotional depth and inner conflict, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences.
Origin of 'disassociate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin roots: 'dis-' meaning 'apart' and 'associate' from 'associatus', meaning 'to unite' or 'join'.
- The formal use of the term began in the late 19th century, particularly linked to psychology.
- It's often confused with 'dissociate', which has a similar meaning but is used in slightly different contexts.
The word 'disassociate' is a combination of the prefix 'dis-' meaning apart or away, and the verb 'associate' meaning to connect or join. The term originated in the late 16th century in English, influenced by Latin and French roots. Over time, 'disassociate' has become a commonly used term in formal language to describe the act of separating or disconnecting from someone or something.
See also: associate, associated, associates, associating, association, disassociated, dissociate, unassociated.