disassociate

American  

[dis-uh-soh-shee-eyt, -see-] / ˌdɪs əˈsoʊ ʃiˌeɪt, -si- /

verb (used with object)

disassociated, disassociating

1. to dissociate.

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disassociate British  

/ ˌdɪsəˈsəʊʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. a less common word for dissociate

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Other Word Forms

• disassociation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of disassociate

First recorded in 1595–1605; dis- ¹ + associate

Explanation

It’s often said that we are the company we keep, so it makes sense to disassociate — or distance ourselves — from people whose behaviors and beliefs we do not wish to be connected to. To disassociate means to separate yourself from a person, group, or idea. For example, if you end a friendship with your long-time buddies because you value honesty and they do not, you are disassociating from them. This term often indicates an intentional effort to distance oneself from certain people, organizations, beliefs, or behaviors that are no longer acceptable to you so that you are no longer associated with them.

Example Sentences

In trying to disassociate herself from the scandal, Melania’s lack of acknowledgment of her husband’s ties to Epstein stands out as a confusing, but increasingly familiar, bit of cognitive dissonance.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

In their moments of agony, they disassociate from their own bodies and, arguably, never fully return.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2024

From an early age, he learned to disassociate.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2024

His autism - combined with Prader-Willi Syndrome, which causes learning disabilities and behavioural challenges - meant he could often run away after becoming overwhelmed and would disassociate from the world around him.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2023

The boys from the neighboring room flinched and took a quick step backward, trying to disassociate themselves.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart