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
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
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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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