dissociation

American  

[dih-soh-see-ey-shuhn, -shee-ey-] / dɪˌsoʊ siˈeɪ ʃən, -ʃiˈeɪ- /

noun

1. an act or instance of dissociating.

2. the state of being dissociated; disjunction; separation.

   the dissociation of church and state.

3. Physical Chemistry.

   1. the reversible resolution or decomposition of a complex substance into simpler constituents caused by variation in physical conditions, as when water gradually decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen under great heat in such a way that when the temperature is lowered the liberated elements recombine.

   2. electrolytic dissociation.

4. Psychiatry. the splitting off of a group of mental processes from the main body of consciousness, as in amnesia or certain forms of hysteria.

---

dissociation British  

/ dɪˌsəʊsɪˈeɪʃən, -ʃɪ- /

noun

1. the act of dissociating or the state of being dissociated

2. chem

   1. a reversible chemical change of the molecules of a single compound into two or more other molecules, atoms, ions, or radicals

   2. 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, as in cases of multiple personality

---

dissociation Scientific  

/ dĭ-sō′sē-ā′shən /

1. The separation of a substance into two or more simpler substances, or of a molecule into atoms or ions, by the action of heat or a chemical process. Dissociation is usually reversible.

---

Other Word Forms

• self-dissociation noun

Etymology

Origin of dissociation

First recorded in 1605–15; dis- ¹ + (as)sociation, modeled on Latin dissociātiō “separation”

Example Sentences

Using advanced molecular dynamics simulations, Litman and co-author Angelos Michaelides found that strong electric fields greatly increase water dissociation in an unexpected way.

From Science Daily • Jan. 31, 2026

Today, the once-controversial jokes of the online sad girl are ubiquitous far beyond their original little corner of the internet, with people posting casually about depression and dissociation on their otherwise professional Twitter accounts.

From Salon • May 7, 2024

He added, “I have suffered from dissociation all my life, but somehow the linkage between ‘qi’ and art has given me focus and hope.”

From New York Times • May 2, 2024

Speaking about the inspiration behind the film, Skepta says it was about the "dissociation of an immigrant living in the UK", something he was able to relate to.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2024

There was a dissociation of form and substance.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy