dissociation

[ dih-soh-see-ey-shuhn, -shee-ey- ]

noun

1. an act or instance of dissociating.
2. the state of being dissociated; disjunction; separation:

   the dissociation of church and state.

3. Physical Chemistry.
   1. the reversible resolution or decomposition of a complex substance into simpler constituents caused by variation in physical conditions, as when water gradually decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen under great heat in such a way that when the temperature is lowered the liberated elements recombine.
   2. electrolytic dissociation.
4. Psychiatry. the splitting off of a group of mental processes from the main body of consciousness, as in amnesia or certain forms of hysteria.

dissociation

/ dɪˌsəʊsɪˈeɪʃən; -ʃɪ- /

noun

1. the act of dissociating or the state of being dissociated
2. chem
   1. a reversible chemical change of the molecules of a single compound into two or more other molecules, atoms, ions, or radicals
   2. any decomposition of the molecules of a single compound into two or more other compounds, atoms, ions, or radicals
3. separation of molecules or atoms that occurs when a liquid or solid changes to a gas
4. psychiatry the separation of a group of mental processes or ideas from the rest of the personality, so that they lead an independent existence, as in cases of multiple personality

dissociation

/ dĭ-sō′sē-ā′shən /

1. The separation of a substance into two or more simpler substances, or of a molecule into atoms or ions, by the action of heat or a chemical process. Dissociation is usually reversible.

Other Words From

• self-dis·soci·ation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissociation¹

First recorded in 1605–15; dis- ¹ + (as)sociation, modeled on Latin dissociātiō “separation”

Example Sentences

The result is a powerful combination of dissociation, immersion, and openness to new experiences, which culminates in what was once called a “trance,” but which modern hypnotherapists simply refer to as a “hypnotic state.”

From Time

Similarly, increase the electron-proton mass ratio and the dissociation energy—the energy involved in breaking and making molecular bonds—goes up.

From Nautilus

Default mode network dissociation in depressive and anxiety states.

From Nautilus

The group encompasses Byrne's art-rock solitariness and the dissociation effects in the spare—somewhat Godardian—staging.

From The Daily Beast

That fear—and its attendant dissociation—is what speaks loudest in the haunting photographs of the Provoke Era.

From The Daily Beast

There seems to be very little known about dissociation, and somewhat vague theories have been advanced to explain the phenomenon.

From Project Gutenberg

In certain conditions they are capable of dissociation, and they last for a longer or a shorter time.

From Project Gutenberg

Psychologists will explain his experience by the word “dissociation.”

From Project Gutenberg

Within ten minutes their dissociation was final and absolute.

From Project Gutenberg

The theory of dissociation has, as far as I know, no opponents.

From Project Gutenberg