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Dissociation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dissociation

[dɪˌsoʊ.siˈeɪ.ʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mental health

The process of disconnecting or separating from one's thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity. Dissociation is often a defense mechanism against trauma or overwhelming stress.

Synonyms

detachment, disconnection, separation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissociation

Used in psychological or scientific contexts to describe a state where a person's thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity becomes separated from their conscious awareness.

  • The trauma caused a dissociation between her memories and sense of reality.
  • Dissociation in chemistry refers to the breaking down of a compound into simpler constituents.
detachment

Refers to a state of emotional disengagement or neutrality, often used when someone deliberately remains uninvested within a situation.

  • He maintained a sense of detachment during the heated debate to keep things professional.
  • Her detachment from the situation allowed her to think more clearly.
separation

Refers to the act or state of being moved apart, physically or metaphorically, often used to describe physical distance or the end of relationships.

  • The couple decided on a trial separation to see if they could resolve their issues.
  • The separation of work and personal life is important for mental health.
disconnection

Usually implies a break in a link or relationship, often used in both literal and figurative senses, and can carry a negative connotation when referring to relationships.

  • There was a disconnection in the cable, which caused the power outage.
  • She felt a profound sense of disconnection from her friends after moving to a new city.

Examples of usage

  • Her dissociation from reality was a coping mechanism for dealing with the traumatic events of her past.
  • During the therapy session, she experienced dissociation as a way to distance herself from the painful memories.
  • The dissociation allowed her to temporarily escape the overwhelming emotions she was feeling.
Context #2 | Noun

chemistry

The process in which ions or molecules separate or split into smaller particles, usually in a solution.

Synonyms

disassociation, separation, splitting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissociation

Used mainly in psychology or chemistry to describe the separation of a mix of elements, or mental detachment from reality.

  • The patient showed signs of dissociation during the therapy session.
  • In chemistry, dissociation occurs when molecules split into smaller particles.
separation

Typically used to describe physical or emotional distance between entities or people.

  • The separation of waste materials into different categories helps in recycling.
  • Their separation came after many years of conflict.
splitting

Used in a variety of contexts, including psychology, to mean dividing something into parts, often implying stress or conflict.

  • Splitting the tasks among the team members can save time.
  • He experienced splitting headaches which were indicative of deeper issues.
disassociation

Also used in psychology but less common than 'dissociation'; indicates a state of mental disconnection or separation.

  • Disassociation from traumatic experiences can sometimes protect a person's mental well-being.

Examples of usage

  • The dissociation of salt in water results in the formation of sodium and chloride ions.
  • In the dissociation of water, H2O molecules split into H+ and OH- ions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Dissociation can be a normal response to stress, helping people cope with trauma or overwhelming emotions.
  • Some individuals may develop a dissociative disorder when these feelings become persistent and interfere with daily life.
  • Famous cases of dissociation include some soldiers experiencing it after combat, which is known as combat-related dissociation.

Historical Origins

  • The term entered psychological literature in the late 19th century, becoming a focus in studies of trauma and mental health.
  • Early use of the concept can be traced back to the work of Pierre Janet, who explored how memories can become separated from conscious awareness.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict characters experiencing dissociation, portraying it as a dramatic escape from reality, such as in films like 'Fight Club.'
  • In literature, characters might describe feelings akin to dissociation to explain their emotional detachment from horrific events.

Science

  • Research indicates that specific brain areas become less active during dissociative episodes, which may explain the feeling of detachment.
  • Scientists study dissociation through various methods, including brain imaging, to understand its effects on memory and perception.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Cultural interpretations of dissociation vary; some indigenous cultures may view it as a spiritual journey or an altered state of consciousness.
  • In modern therapy, understanding cultural contexts is important as people from different backgrounds may describe similar dissociative experiences differently.

Origin of 'dissociation'

The word 'dissociation' originated from the Latin word 'dissociare', which means 'to separate'. It was first used in the early 17th century to describe the process of separating or disconnecting. Over time, the term has been adopted in various fields such as psychology, chemistry, and physics to describe different types of separation or disconnection processes.

See also: dissociated.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,515 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.