dis·so·ci·ate [ di sṓshee àyt, di sṓssi àyt ](past and past participledis·so·ci·at·ed, present participledis·so·ci·at·ing, 3rd person present singulardis·so·ci·ates)
verb
Definition:
1. transitive verb regard somebody or something as distinct: to treat somebody or something as distinct from or unconnected with somebody or something else
2. transitive verb Same as disassociate (sense 1) (sense 2)
3. transitive and intransitive verb chemistry split something into simpler parts: to cause the molecules of a compound to break down into simpler molecules, atoms, or ions, usually in a reversible reaction, or break down in this way
4. intransitive verb psychiatry separate off areas of mind: to separate a group of mental processes from the rest of the mind, causing them to lose their usual relationship with it
[Mid-16th century. < Latin dissociat-, past participle of dissociare, literally "separate from fellowship" < sociare "join together" < socius "companion"]
