To disconnect or separate from an association; to break apart or dissolve a connection. In psychology, it refers to a mental disconnect from thoughts, feelings, or memories.
From Latin 'dissociatus' (dis- 'apart' + sociare 'to join, unite'), from 'socius' meaning 'companion'. The word entered scientific vocabulary in the 19th century, first in chemistry for molecular separation, then in psychology for mental disconnection.
The root 'socius' (companion) gives us 'social', 'society', and 'associate'—they're all about joining together! When you dissociate, you're literally breaking the 'companionship' or connection, whether it's molecules splitting apart or your mind disconnecting from trauma.
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