Dissociate Meaning and Definition
Dissociate
Pronunciation
/ˈdɪsɪseɪt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A state of disconnection or separating of a part from the whole, often used to describe a psychological or emotional disconnection from one’s thoughts, feelings, or experiences.
Examples
- The trauma survivor experienced dissociation after the accident.
- The person felt disconnected from their body during the therapy session.
Synonyms
- Disconnection
- Detachment
Antonyms
- Integration
- Unification
Etymology
The word “dissociate” comes from the Latin words “dis-” meaning “apart” and “sociare” meaning “to unite”.
Usage Notes
“Dissociate” is often used in psychology and mental health contexts to describe the disconnection of memories, emotions, or experiences from one’s sense of self.
Cultural References
The term “dissociate” has been referenced in popular culture, including in music, literature, and television shows.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Dissociate from reality” is an idiomatic phrase that means to disconnect from the present moment or to live in a fantasy world.
Related Words or Phrases
- Disconnection
- Detachment
- Psychosis
- Schizophrenia
Collocations
- Experiencing dissociation
- Felt disconnected
- Suffering from dissociative disorder
Frequency of Use
The term “dissociate” is frequently used in academic and professional settings, particularly in the fields of psychology and mental health.
Common Misspellings
- Dycociate
- Dissoceate