free association

noun

, Psychoanalysis.

1. the uncensored expression of the ideas, impressions, etc., passing through the mind of the analysand, a technique used to facilitate access to the unconscious.

free association

noun

1. psychoanal a method of exploring a person's unconscious by eliciting words and thoughts that are associated with key words provided by a psychoanalyst
2. a spontaneous mental process whereby ideas, words, or images suggest other ideas, etc, in a nonlogical chain reaction

Word History and Origins

Origin of free association¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Such is free association in the age of late capitalism.

From Los Angeles Times

He just becomes incomprehensible when he engages in free association word salad speech that is all over the place.

From Salon

And in 2019, a federal judge rejected a lawsuit brought by two arms of the International Union of Operating Engineers that argued the law violates free speech and free association under the First Amendment.

From Washington Times

But amid the whimsical free association, one song stands out for its vitriolic sarcasm.

From BBC

The choices were: statehood, independence or free association.

From New York Times