associationism

noun

as·​so·​ci·​a·​tion·​ism ə-ˌsō-sē-ˈā-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce associationism (audio)
-ˌsō-shē-
: a reductionist school of psychology that holds that the content of consciousness can be explained by the association and reassociation of irreducible sensory and perceptual elements
associationist noun
associationistic adjective

Examples of associationism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Catalans birthed their culture of associationism by establishing non-governmental groups dedicated to preserving regional traditions. Elaine Heinzman, Smithsonian, 30 June 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of associationism was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near associationism

Cite this Entry

“Associationism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/associationism. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

associationism

noun
as·​so·​ci·​a·​tion·​ism ə-ˌsō-sē-ˈā-shə-ˌniz-əm, -ˌsō-shē- How to pronounce associationism (audio)
: a reductionist school of psychology that holds that the content of consciousness can be explained by the association and reassociation of irreducible sensory and perceptual elements
associationistic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on associationism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!