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

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

“It’s really the pleasure of adding ideas to other ideas, making free associations.”

From Los Angeles Times

The self-governing Cook Islands remain in "free association" with former colonial ruler New Zealand, which is still involved in areas such as defence and foreign affairs.

From Barron's

In his plan, a “Yes” result would lead to a vote on the options, which would include statehood, becoming an independent nation, or another arrangement known as free association.

From The Wall Street Journal

UN rights chief Volker Turk "renews his call on security forces to desist from unnecessary force and to uphold the rights to free association and peaceful assembly," it said.

From Barron's