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.

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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

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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.

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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

Dissociation does not make the emotions go away.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 5, 2023

Dissociation is a psychological process that comes in many forms.

From Scientific American • Jun. 20, 2022

Dissociation is a feeling of being here and not being here simultaneously.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2022

Dissociation is a measure of how detached someone feels from a situation and from themselves, and is assessed through a questionnaire.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2016

Effect of Dissociation, and Increase of Specific Heat.—One of the most important effects of heat is the decomposition or dissociation of compound molecules.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2 "Hearing" to "Helmond" by Various