dissociate
dis·so·ci·ate / diˈsōshēˌāt; -ˈsōsē-/ • v. [tr.] 1. disconnect or separate (used esp. in abstract contexts) : voices should not be dissociated from their social context. ∎ (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. ∎ [intr.] become separated or disconnected: the area would dissociate from the country. ∎ (usu. be dissociated) Psychiatry split off (a component of mental activity) to act as an independent part of mental life.2. (usu. be dissociated) Chem. cause (a molecule) to split into separate smaller atoms, ions, or molecules, esp. reversibly: these compounds are dissociated by solar radiation to yield atoms of chlorine. ∎ [intr.] (of a molecule) undergo this process.DERIVATIVES: dis·so·ci·a·tive / -ˌātiv; -shətiv/ adj.
