Disassociate

/ˌdɪsəˈsoʊʃieɪt/ verb

Definition

To disconnect, separate, or end a relationship or association with someone or something.

Etymology

From dis- (meaning 'reverse' or 'undo') + associate (from Latin associare, 'to join with'). The verb emerged in English around the 1600s as a way to express the opposite of association.

Kelly Says

Many people confuse 'disassociate' with 'dissociate,' but they're slightly different—dissociate is more about psychological disconnection (like spacing out), while disassociate is about breaking an active connection. Politicians love this word when they want to separate themselves from controversial allies.

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