free association
noun Psychoanalysis.
the uncensored expression of the ideas, impressions, etc., passing through the mind of the analysand, a technique used to facilitate access to the unconscious.
Nearby words
free and accepted masons, free and clear, free and easy, free as a bird, free ascent, free association, free atmosphere, free balloon, free beach, free bid, free charge
Origin of free association
First recorded in 1895–1900
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for free association
Both creative writers, artists and scientific problem solvers use the stream of consciousness or free-association skill.
Sequential Problem Solving|Fredric Lozo
British Dictionary definitions for free association
free association
noun
psychoanal a method of exploring a person's unconscious by eliciting words and thoughts that are associated with key words provided by a psychoanalyst
a spontaneous mental process whereby ideas, words, or images suggest other ideas, etc, in a nonlogical chain reaction
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine definitions for free association
free association
[ frē ]
n.
A psychoanalytic technique in which a patient verbalizes the passing contents of his or her mind without reservation. The verbalized conflicts that emerge constitute resistances that are the basis of the psychoanalyst's interpretations.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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