individuation

noun

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in·di·vid·u·a·tion | \ ˌin-də-ˌvi-jə-ˈwā-shən

Definition of individuation

1 : the act or process of individuating: such as

a(1) : the development of the individual from the universal

(2) : the determination of the individual in the general

b : the process by which individuals in society become differentiated from one another

c psychology : the process in the analytical psychology of Carl Gustav Jung by which the self is formed by integrating elements of the conscious and unconscious mind

d embryology : regional differentiation along a primary embryonic axis

2 : the state of being individuated specifically : individuality

Examples of individuation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This age coincides with the important developmental stage in which children begin a process of separation and individuation and assert themselves as distinct individuals. — Lori Gottlieb, The Atlantic, 30 May 2022 The second episode of The Kardashians further establishes the show’s style—crisp camerawork, tight narratives, and a confident and unhurried pace—while also highlighting the family’s apparent individuation from one another. — Vogue, 22 Apr. 2022 Of course, their adventures were as much about teamwork as individuation. — Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 15 Feb. 2022 The book detailed the group’s work, which came to be known as separation-individuation theory. — New York Times, 17 Oct. 2021 Brodie works with big themes — individuation, mental illness, legacy, self-destruction and redemption — but her touch is lighter than an onshore breeze. — Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2021 If the old anxiety was about process, the new anxieties are about individuation—which offers a clue to some of the thinking behind hesitancy to take vaccines. — Benjamin Wallace-wells, The New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2021 In SilentWalk, a free, meditative musical experience, apparent paradoxes abound: individuation leads to community, technology to mindfulness, stimulus to peace. — Nicole Blackwood, chicagotribune.com, 5 Aug. 2019 Zimbardo continued to study the effects of individuation and social influence as well as therapeutic techniques for survivors of trauma. — Katie Worth, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2014 See More

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