dissociation

Definitions

The action of disconnecting or separating, or the state of being disconnected.

A psychological process in which a person loses connection with their thoughts, memories, feelings, actions, or sense of identity.

The process by which a chemical combination breaks up into simpler constituents.

Examples

The patient experienced a sense of dissociation from reality during the traumatic event.

The chemical dissociation of the compound into its base elements occurred rapidly under high heat.

Psychologists often study dissociation as a defense mechanism used to cope with overwhelming stress.

Synonyms

separation detachment disconnection estrangement alienation disjunction segregation

Antonyms

connection association integration unity attachment cohesion union