free association

American  

noun

Psychoanalysis.

1. the uncensored expression of the ideas, impressions, etc., passing through the mind of the analysand, a technique used to facilitate access to the unconscious.

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free association British  

noun

1. psychoanal a method of exploring a person's unconscious by eliciting words and thoughts that are associated with key words provided by a psychoanalyst

2. a spontaneous mental process whereby ideas, words, or images suggest other ideas, etc, in a nonlogical chain reaction

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Etymology

Origin of free association

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Greenland’s leaders and polls indicate a preference to remain with Denmark, despite U.S. interest in a compact of free association.

From The Wall Street Journal

The compacts of free association with the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau were negotiated to resolve a specific historical reality.

From The Wall Street Journal

Would the compact of free association model work with Greenland?

From The Wall Street Journal

A point of comparison is the Marshall Islands, which recently renewed a so-called compact of free association with the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

One approach discussed by both Americans and Greenlanders who are open to alignment with the U.S. is a “compact of free association,” like ones between the U.S. and small Pacific Island nations.

From The Wall Street Journal