free association
- 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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Origin of free association
First recorded in 1895–1900
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for free association
Historical Examples of free association
Both creative writers, artists and scientific problem solvers use the stream of consciousness or free-association skill.
Sequential Problem SolvingFredric Lozo
free association
- 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
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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free association
(frē)- 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.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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