Dissociate vs. Disassociate: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 11, 2023
Both "Dissociate" and "Disassociate" mean to disconnect or detach; "Dissociate" is more common, while "Disassociate" is a lengthier alternative.
Key Differences
The term Dissociate typically refers to the action of separating or detaching oneself from something. Its etymology is direct, coming from the prefix "dis-" meaning "apart" and "socius" meaning "companion." This word is commonly employed in both psychological and general contexts. On the other hand, Disassociate carries the same meaning of detaching or disconnecting but has an added prefix, making it a tad redundant.
Interestingly, while both Dissociate and Disassociate mean to sever a connection or relationship, the former is preferred in most contexts due to its more straightforward formation. In contrast, Disassociate might be seen as an overextension of the word, yet it's still recognized and used, especially in American English.
In the realm of psychology, Dissociate often refers to a disconnection between different facets of an individual's identity, memory, or consciousness. People might dissociate from traumatic events, for instance. Disassociate can also be employed in this context, although it's less frequently used in professional terminology.
While both words can be employed interchangeably in many situations, Dissociate is more common in scientific, technical, or formal writings. Disassociate, though less common, is still grammatically correct and might appear in various writings or discussions.
The choice between Dissociate and Disassociate often boils down to personal or regional preference. Both communicate the idea of severing ties or detaching, yet the former's concise nature might make it the preferred choice for many speakers and writers.
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Comparison Chart
Etymology
Direct derivation
Extended derivation
Usage Frequency
More common
Less common
Meaning
To detach or disconnect
To detach or disconnect
Length
Shorter
Longer due to added prefix
Preference in Formal Writing
Often preferred
Less frequent but still accepted
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Dissociate and Disassociate Definitions
Dissociate
To detach or separate from something.
She wanted to dissociate herself from the controversial group.
Disassociate
To remove from association or connection.
The brand tried to disassociate itself from the scandal.
Dissociate
To sever a connection.
It's important to dissociate personal feelings from professional decisions.
Disassociate
To separate or disconnect in one's mind.
She found it hard to disassociate the idea of success from long hours of work.
Dissociate
To disconnect in thought or practice.
He tried to dissociate his actions from any negative consequences.
Disassociate
To detach oneself from a group or affiliation.
He chose to disassociate from the organization.
Dissociate
To undergo dissociation (in a chemical context).
The compound will dissociate into its constituent ions.
Disassociate
To break a bond or connection.
They decided to disassociate their partnership.
Dissociate
A psychological phenomenon where one disconnects from reality.
Under stress, some people might dissociate.
Disassociate
To free from any association or connection.
They sought to disassociate themselves from the negative publicity.
Dissociate
To remove from association; separate
"Marx never dissociated man from his social environment" (Sidney Hook).
Disassociate
To remove from association; dissociate.
Dissociate
(Chemistry) To cause to undergo dissociation.
Disassociate
To separate (oneself); to dissolve one's association with a person, group, or situation.
After the scandal, the political party disassociated itself from the questionable candidate.
If the whole membership disassociates, the result will be disestablishment.
Dissociate
To cease associating; separate; part.
Disassociate
(transitive) To separate into smaller discrete units, as with analysis.
The problem is easier to understand if you disassociate the variables.
Dissociate
Chemistry & Psychiatry To undergo dissociation.
Disassociate
To separate; to disunite; to disintegrate; to dissolve.
The fibers of this nonwoven textile disassociated when I tried to wash it.
Dissociate
(transitive) To make unrelated; to sever a connection; to separate.
A number of group members wish to dissociate themselves from the majority.
Disassociate
To disconnect from things associated; to disunite; to dissociate.
Dissociate
(intransitive) To part; to stop associating.
After the big fight, the gang totally dissociated from each other.
Disassociate
Part; cease or break association with;
She disassociated herself from the organization when she found out the identity of the president
Dissociate
To separate compounds into simpler component parts, usually by applying heat or through electrolysis.
We dissociated the lead iodide into its elements by heating
Dissociate
To undergo dissociation.
Dissociate
To undergo dissociation.
Gerald checked himself into the hospital because he was dissociating.
Dissociate
To separate from fellowship or union; to disunite; to disjoin; as, to dissociate the particles of a concrete substance.
Before Wyclif's death in 1384, John of Gaunt had openly dissociated himself from the reformer.
Dissociate
Part; cease or break association with;
She disassociated herself from the organization when she found out the identity of the president
Dissociate
Regard as unconnected;
You must dissociate these two events!
Decouple our foreign policy from ideology
Dissociate
To undergo a reversible or temporary breakdown of a molecule into simpler molecules or atoms;
Acids dissociate to give hydrogen ions
FAQs
Are Dissociate and Disassociate synonyms?
Yes, both words convey the idea of detaching or disconnecting.
Which is more common, Dissociate or Disassociate?
Dissociate is more commonly used.
Can Dissociate be used in a psychological context?
Yes, it can refer to a detachment from reality or emotions.
Do both words have the same root?
Yes, both derive from "socius," meaning companion.
Is Dissociate shorter in terms of spelling?
Yes, it's more concise due to the lack of an extra prefix.
Is Disassociate grammatically correct?
Yes, while less common, it's still accepted and understood.
Can I use Disassociate in academic writing?
Yes, though Dissociate might be more common in such contexts.
Is one more formal than the other?
Dissociate is often preferred in formal writings, but both are formal.
Can Disassociate be used to mean distancing from a controversy?
Yes, like disassociating oneself from a scandal.
Can Disassociate imply a voluntary action?
Yes, like choosing to disassociate from a group.
Which is more concise?
Dissociate is more concise due to its direct derivation.
What's the main difference between the two?
Mostly preference, with Dissociate being more direct and common.
Are there regions where one is more favored than the other?
Both are used in American English, but Dissociate might be more globally recognized.
Can Disassociate mean breaking a partnership?
Yes, like ending a business association.
In everyday speech, which is more prevalent?
It varies by individual, but Dissociate is generally more common.
Is Dissociate used in medical contexts?
Yes, especially relating to psychological dissociative disorders.
Does Dissociate have a chemical meaning?
Yes, referring to a compound breaking down into its components.
Which is older in usage?
Dissociate has an earlier recorded use.
Are they interchangeable in all contexts?
Generally, yes, though Dissociate is more common in specific technical contexts.
Do both words suggest a complete separation?
Yes, both suggest a detachment or disconnection.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
