free-associate

[ free-uh-soh-shee-eyt, -see- ]

verb (used without object)

, free-as·so·ci·at·ed, free-as·so·ci·at·ing.

1. to engage in free association.

Word History and Origins

Origin of free-associate¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

In one of the most touching scenes about art and understanding, Souad is asked to free-associate over simple, hypnotic footage she shot at home of water filling a pail.

From Los Angeles Times

Sometimes, he would free-associate about philosophy and literature; at other times, though, he would embroider his childhood experiences during the Depression into works of audio fiction.

From Washington Post

But doing his haircuts was a nice way to give him a safe space where he could free-associate.

From New York Times

Moreover, actually being in power — drafting bills and heading to the cafeteria with supposed child abusers — makes it harder to free-associate about the machinations of a shadowy elite.

From Washington Post

I’m continually awed by his ability to free-associate, but worry students would be laughed at by art-school peers if they offered his brand of analysis.

From New York Times