free association

noun

1

a

: the expression (as by speaking or writing) of the content of consciousness without censorship as an aid in gaining access to unconscious processes especially in psychoanalysis

b

: the reporting of the first thought that comes to mind in response to a given stimulus (such as a word)

2

: an idea or image elicited by free association

3

: a method using free association

free-associate

ˌfrē-ə-ˈsō-sē-ˌāt 

-shē-

intransitive verb

free-associative

ˌfrē-ə-ˈsō-sē-ˌā-tiv 

-shē-ˌā-

-shə-tiv

adjective

Examples of free association in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, independence trailed and free association did not make it onto the ballot. —Christina D. Ponsa-Kraus / Made By History, TIME, 11 Oct. 2024

To protect both free association rights and fairness, therefore, states should make the elimination of legacy preferences a precondition for public aid rather than a mandatory decree. —Frederick Hess, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

That calibration serves a purpose, according to Freud: As a site of potential discomfort, eye contact is not conducive to free association, which is what a therapist wants from their patients. —Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 12 Sep. 2024

But free association can help ensure that top-down, executive forces don’t dominate one’s mental landscape. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Medical Definition

free association

noun

1

a

: the expression (as by speaking or writing) of the content of consciousness without censorship as an aid in gaining access to unconscious processes especially in psychoanalysis

b

: the reporting of the first thought that comes to mind in response to a given stimulus (as a word)

2

: an idea or image elicited by free association

3

: a method using free association