dissociation

noun

dis·​so·​ci·​a·​tion (ˌ)di-ˌsō-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce dissociation (audio)
-shē-
plural dissociations
1
: the act or process of dissociating : the state of being dissociated: such as
a
: the process by which a chemical combination breaks up into simpler constituents
especially : one that results from the action of energy (such as heat) on a gas or of a solvent on a dissolved substance
b
: the separation of whole segments of the personality (as in dissociative identity disorder) or of discrete mental processes (as in schizophrenia) from the mainstream of consciousness or of behavior
2
: the property inherent in some biological stocks (as of certain bacteria) of differentiating into two or more distinct and relatively permanent strains
also : such a strain
dissociative adjective

Examples of dissociation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Then what leads to dissociation is when our brains and nervous systems are failing to navigate between these very different worlds. Derek Scancarelli, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 Mental health experts say that both dissociation and disassociation − two terms often used interchangeably − are common for those who've been through trauma. Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 24 Sep. 2024 In another form of dissociation, called derealization, people may experience time in slow motion, or their surroundings may not feel real. Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 24 Sep. 2024 Emerging from environmental dissociation Sept. 11, 2024 Feeling climate anxiety? Jade S. Sasser, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dissociation 

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dissociation was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near dissociation

Cite this Entry

“Dissociation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissociation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

dissociation

noun
dis·​so·​ci·​a·​tion (ˌ)dis-ˌō-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce dissociation (audio)
-shē-
: the act or process of dissociating : the state of being dissociated
especially : the process by which a chemical combination breaks up into simpler substances of which it is made

Medical Definition

dissociation

noun
dis·​so·​ci·​a·​tion (ˌ)dis-ˌō-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce dissociation (audio) -shē- How to pronounce dissociation (audio)
1
: the act or process of dissociating : the state of being dissociated: as
a
: the process by which a chemical combination breaks up into simpler constituents
especially : one that results from the action of energy (as heat) on a gas or of a solvent on a dissolved substance
b
: the separation of whole segments of the personality (as in dissociative identity disorder) or of discrete mental processes (as in schizophrenia) from the mainstream of consciousness or of behavior with loss of integrated awareness and autonomous functioning of the separated segments or parts
2
: the process by which some biological stocks (as of certain bacteria) differentiate into two or more distinct and relatively permanent strains
also : such a strain
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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