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dissociation
dissociation definition
dis·so·cia·tion (di sō′sē ā′s̸hən, -s̸hē-)
noun
- a dissociating or being dissociated; separation
- Chem. the breaking up of a compound into simpler components, as with heat or a solvent, frequently in a reversible manner so that the components may recombine
- Psychol.
- a split in the conscious process in which a group of mental activities breaks away from the main stream of consciousness and functions as a separate unit, as if belonging to another person
- the abnormal separation of related ideas, thoughts, or emotions
Etymology: L dissociatio
Related Forms:
- dissociative dis·so′·cia′·tive adjective
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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