associated;
associating
1
: to join as a partner, friend, or companion - They were closely associated with each other during the war.
2
: to join or connect together : combine - particles of gold associated with heavy minerals
3
: to bring together or into relationship in any of various intangible ways (as in memory or imagination) - She will always associate that place with her youth.
4
obsolete
: to keep company with : attend
1
: to come or be together as partners, friends, or companions - was accused of associating with known criminals
2
: to combine or join with other parts : unite - Protons, neutrons, and electrons associate together to form atoms.