noun

1. a dissociating or being dissociated; separation
2. 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
3. Psychol.
   1. 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
   2. the abnormal separation of related ideas, thoughts, or emotions

Etymology: L dissociatio