dissociate

/dɪˈsoʊʃieɪt/
verb
  1. To separate or disconnect something from something else, or to stop being involved with someone or something.
    • It's hard to dissociate the smell of fresh bread from memories of my grandmother's kitchen.
    • The company decided to dissociate itself from the controversial politician.
    • She tried to dissociate her personal feelings from her professional judgment.
  2. To feel as if you are not really connected to your own body, thoughts, or feelings, often as a reaction to stress or trauma.
    • After the accident, he began to dissociate and felt like he was watching himself from outside his body.
    • The therapist explained that it's common to dissociate when experiencing overwhelming emotions.
    • Some people dissociate during very stressful events as a way to protect themselves.
What does "dissociate" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean