dissociation

noun

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dis·so·ci·a·tion | \ (ˌ)di-ˌsō-sē-ˈā-shən

, -shē- \

Definition of dissociation

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

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

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Examples of dissociation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Thank goodness for Thom Yorke’s gorgeous guide to psychological dissociation. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, "De-stress With an Election-Anxiety Playlist," 23 Oct. 2020 At 29 years old, Selby, experienced intense dissociation and post-traumatic stress disorder and lost their entire sense of self. — Starre Vartan, CNN, "Post-traumatic growth: With support, some traumas can help us grow," 30 Aug. 2020 Closing in on a decade of dissociation from the University of Southern California, former Trojans running back Reggie Bush now has a clearer path to reuniting with the program that thrust him into superstardom. — Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY, "USC to end dissociation with Reggie Bush, paving way for reunion," 11 June 2020 That dealing with the trauma of covering up a murder led him to experience dissociation. — Shannon Carlin, refinery29.com, "The Real Meaning Behind The Graffiti In 13 Reasons Why Season 4," 6 June 2020 By the time of Trump’s inauguration six weeks later, Discko was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, a condition which can lead to dissociation, periods of depression, and fear of abandonment. — Jordan Mcmahon, Wired, "The App That Wants You to Treat Self Care Like a Garden," 11 Apr. 2020 Between these two worlds there was a huge level of dissociation. — Carlos Busqued, Harper's Magazine, "Daydream Believer," 30 Mar. 2020 Kathy’s mom, in a state of dissociation from her remaining children, moved out to the beach with a new boyfriend, dropping off groceries once a week for Kathy and her younger siblings back home. — Matthew Klam, The New Yorker, "The Liver," 9 Mar. 2020 The same study also found that stans may display narcissistic characteristics, stalking behavior, and dissociation. — Brianna Holt, Quartz, "“Stans” have changed what it means to be a music fan—for better and worse," 7 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dissociation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near dissociation

dissociative identity disorder

dissoconch

dissogeny

Statistics for dissociation

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“Dissociation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissociation. Accessed 16 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for dissociation

dissociation

noun

dis·so·ci·a·tion | \ (ˌ)dis-ˌō-sē-ˈā-shən

, -shē-

Medical Definition of dissociation

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 multiple personality disorder) or of discrete mental processes (as in the schizophrenias) 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

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