dissociate
UK: dɪˈsəʊʃieɪt | US: dɪˈsoʊʃieɪt
vt. to disconnect or separate from association
vi. to withdraw from a relationship or interaction
psychol. to experience a mental detachment from reality or identity
The word "dissociate" originates from Latin dissociare, combining dis- (apart) and sociare (to unite). The root soci- reflects connection (as in "society" or "social"), while dis- negates it. Over time, the term evolved to describe both physical separation (e.g., dissolving chemical bonds) and psychological detachment (e.g., dissociative disorders). The suffix -ate standardizes it as a verb.
The scientist sought to dissociate the compound into its basic elements.
After the scandal, the company tried to dissociate itself from the controversial figure.
Trauma survivors may dissociate to cope with overwhelming stress.
The politician’s speech aimed to dissociate his policies from extremist views.
In chemistry, acids dissociate into ions when dissolved in water.