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 Just that aspect of dissociation and disillusionment of what was happening in society after the ’60s. Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024 Other researchers note that sludge content can provide environments that are ideal for normative dissociation, or putting a brain on autopilot mode. Anna Mattson, Scientific American, 10 Jan. 2024 At Warhol’s studio, Flattery’s narrator experiences a similar sense of dissociation. Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2023 Side effects of using the medication include nausea, dizziness headaches, dissociation, vertigo, drowsiness, psychosis and more. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 15 Dec. 2023 Some have spoken about food and water shortages in Hamas captivity, others about trauma and dissociation experienced by younger hostages. NBC News, 28 Nov. 2023 What sets this film apart from other docu-memoirs is the way Sahakyan articulates how being the spokesperson for an atrocity can foster dissociation. Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2023 The dissociation and the ambient loneliness of the Internet seemed far away. Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2023 So there’s a real dissociation from your own physicality and your own body and your own sexuality. Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dissociation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 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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