free association

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.

free association

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of free association¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

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.

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New Zealand has what is known as a "free association" relationship with the Cook Islands, and helps the latter with defence and foreign affairs.

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One possible next step is a free association - something like the US currently has with Pacific states the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau.

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He has called for a "free association agreement" with the US covering trade and defence which would give Greenland independence but hand the US responsibility for security.

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Cook Islands, a self-governing Pacific nation, is in "free association" with New Zealand, which is responsible for the former's foreign affairs and defence.

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