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Dissociated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dissociated

[dɪˈsoʊ.si.eɪtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Disconnected or separated from something or someone.

Synonyms

disconnected, isolated, separated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissociated

This term is typically used in psychological or scientific contexts to describe a state in which someone feels detached from their thoughts, feelings, or surroundings. It can also refer to the separation of elements in a chemical process.

  • During the therapy session, she described feeling dissociated from her emotions.
  • The compound dissociated into its individual elements when heated.
disconnected

This word is often used to describe a lack of connection or communication, whether it be physically, emotionally, or socially. It can apply to devices, people, or ideas.

  • I felt disconnected from my friends after moving to a new city.
  • The internet was disconnected during the storm.
separated

This word commonly refers to things or people being apart from each other. It can be used in a physical, emotional, or formal/legal context, such as in relationships or objects being moved apart.

  • The two pieces of the puzzle were separated and couldn't be found.
  • After many years together, the couple decided to live separated lives.
isolated

This term is used to describe a state of being alone or apart from others, often implying a remote or hard-to-reach location or a feeling of loneliness. It can also describe a person or group being socially marginalized.

  • The cabin was isolated in the woods, far from any towns.
  • He felt isolated after his friends moved away.

Examples of usage

  • He felt dissociated from his family after moving to a different country.
  • She experienced a dissociated sense of reality after the traumatic event.
Context #2 | Verb

psychology

To disconnect or separate from one's thoughts, feelings, or identity.

Synonyms

detach, disconnect, separate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissociated

Used in psychology or mental health contexts, often referring to a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. It has a clinical or serious connotation.

  • She felt dissociated from her surroundings after the traumatic event.
  • In certain mental health conditions, individuals may feel dissociated from their own bodies.
disconnect

Used when something is cut off or interrupted, often in contexts involving technology, communication, or relationships. It can imply a sudden or noticeable break.

  • I need to disconnect the internet before the power reset.
  • There seems to be a disconnect between management and staff.
separate

Used when things are divided into distinct parts or individuals are moved apart. It can refer to physical or metaphorical division and is often neutral.

  • Please separate the recyclable materials from the trash.
  • The couple decided to separate after many years together.
detach

Used when something is removed from its place or separated from something it is connected to. It can also refer to emotional distancing or non-involvement.

  • You can detach the ornaments from the tree.
  • He tried to detach himself from the situation emotionally.

Examples of usage

  • She tried to dissociate herself from the traumatic memories.
  • He dissociated from reality during the meditation practice.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Dissociation is often a response to trauma, where a person mentally 'shuts down' or distances themselves from the experience.
  • There are different types of dissociation, including derealization (feeling detached from the world) and depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself).
  • It's a common symptom in conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), helping individuals cope with distressing memories.

Cultural References

  • In literature, characters may experience dissociation during intense moments as a way to escape their reality, allowing readers to understand their struggles.
  • Films often portray characters experiencing this state, highlighting its dramatic effects, such as in 'Fight Club' where the protagonist struggles with his identity.

Neuroscience

  • Research shows that dissociation can involve different brain areas than those associated with conscious thought, indicating a unique cognitive defense mechanism.
  • Functional MRI studies revealed alterations in how the brain processes emotional stimuli during episodes of dissociation.

Therapeutic Approaches

  • Therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) aim to help individuals reconnect with their emotions and reality, offering coping skills.
  • Mindfulness practices can empower individuals to ground themselves in the present, reducing feelings of dissociation.

Origin of 'dissociated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dissociate' comes from the Latin 'dissociatus,' which means 'to unjoin' or 'to separate.'
  • In the 19th century, its usage began to include psychological contexts, reflecting the complexity of human emotions and experiences.

The word 'dissociate' originated from the Latin word 'dissociatus', which means 'separated'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-16th century. The concept of dissociation has been studied in psychology and psychiatry, particularly in relation to dissociative disorders. The term has evolved to encompass various forms of disconnection or separation.

See also: dissociation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,765, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.