Definition

The act or process of separating or splitting something into parts, often used in psychology to describe a defense mechanism where thoughts or feelings are disconnected from one's awareness.

Example

During therapy, she learned to understand her feelings of dissociation and how they affected her daily life.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of dissociation in psychology?

Yeah, I think it's when someone feels disconnected from their thoughts or feelings.

Exactly! It's a way to cope with stress or trauma.

That makes sense; it sounds pretty complex but also interesting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dissociation → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "sociari" (meaning to associate or join). The word describes the process of separating or breaking away from an association or connection.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'apart' ('dis-') from a group or connection ('sociari') — that's what dissociation means.

Visually Confused Words