What does "dissociation" mean?
The act of dissociating or disuniting; a state of separation; disunion.
Dissociation
/dɪˌsəʊʃiˈeɪʃən/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of dissociating or disuniting; a state of separation; disunion.
- Grammar: dissociation is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: alienation, alpha decay, alternating personality, atom smashing.
- Useful contrasts: agglutination, agglutinations, amalgamation.
- Usage evidence: I've been experiencing depression and dissociation.
How to use "dissociation"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "dissociation" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "dissociation" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "dissociation" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "dissociation" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "dissociation" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "alienation" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "dissociation", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of dissociating or disuniting; a state of separation; disunion. countable, uncountable
"A general observation in memory studies of individuals with ASD is that they tend to experience greater difficulties on tests of free recall than tests of recognition or cued recall (Boucher, Mayes, & Bigham, 2012). In its own right, this pattern suggests greater difficulties with retrieval through recollection than through familiarity, but there is also more direct evidence for this dissociation."
- 2 the act of removing from association wordnet
- 3 The process by which a compound body breaks up into simpler constituents; said particularly of the action of heat on gaseous or volatile substances. countable, uncountable
"the dissociation of the sulphur molecules"
- 4 (chemistry) the temporary or reversible process in which a molecule or ion is broken down into smaller molecules or ions wordnet
- 5 A defence mechanism where certain thoughts or mental processes are compartmentalised in order to avoid emotional stress to the conscious mind. countable, uncountable
"Project MONARCH could be best described as a form of structured dissociation and occultic integration, carried out in order to compartmentalize the mind into multiple personalities within a systematic framework."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 a state in which some integrated part of a person's life becomes separated from the rest of the personality and functions independently wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"I've been experiencing depression and dissociation."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "dissociation"?
Common synonyms include: alienation, alpha decay, alternating personality, atom smashing, atom-chipping, atom-smashing.
How do you use "dissociation" in a sentence?
I've been experiencing depression and dissociation.
How do you pronounce "dissociation"?
Pronounced /dɪˌsəʊʃiˈeɪʃən/.
Etymology
Borrowed from French dissociation, from Latin dissociātiō(n).