dissociate

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈsəʊʃɪeɪt, -sɪ-/

verb

[with object]
  • 1(especially in abstract contexts) disconnect or separate: the word ‘spiritual’ has become for many dissociated from religion
  • (dissociate oneself from) declare that one is not connected with or a supporter of (someone or something): he took pains to dissociate himself from the religious radicals
  • Psychiatry split off (a component of mental activity) to act as an independent part of mental life.
  • 2 Chemistry (with reference to a molecule) split into separate smaller atoms, ions, or molecules, especially reversibly: [with object]: these compounds are dissociated by solar radiation to yield atoms of chlorine

Derivatives

dissociative

Pronunciation: /-ətɪv/
adjective

Origin:

mid 16th century: from Latin dissociat- 'separated', from the verb dissociare, from dis- (expressing reversal) + sociare 'join together' (from socius 'companion')