Dissociate vs. Disassociate: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
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.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Dissociate and Disassociate Definitions
Dissociate
To detach or separate from something.
She wanted to dissociate herself from the controversial group.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Disassociate
To remove from association or connection.
The brand tried to disassociate itself from the scandal.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Dissociate
To sever a connection.
It's important to dissociate personal feelings from professional decisions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Disassociate
To separate or disconnect in one's mind.
She found it hard to disassociate the idea of success from long hours of work.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Dissociate
To disconnect in thought or practice.
He tried to dissociate his actions from any negative consequences.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
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Disassociate
To detach oneself from a group or affiliation.
He chose to disassociate from the organization.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Dissociate
To undergo dissociation (in a chemical context).
The compound will dissociate into its constituent ions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Disassociate
To break a bond or connection.
They decided to disassociate their partnership.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Dissociate
A psychological phenomenon where one disconnects from reality.
Under stress, some people might dissociate.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Disassociate
To free from any association or connection.
They sought to disassociate themselves from the negative publicity.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Dissociate
To remove from association; separate
"Marx never dissociated man from his social environment" (Sidney Hook).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 11, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 11, 2023
Disassociate
(transitive) To separate into smaller discrete units, as with analysis.
The problem is easier to understand if you disassociate the variables.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 11, 2023
Disassociate
To separate; to disunite; to disintegrate; to dissolve.
The fibers of this nonwoven textile disassociated when I tried to wash it.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 11, 2023
Dissociate
(transitive) To make unrelated; to sever a connection; to separate.
A number of group members wish to dissociate themselves from the majority.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 11, 2023
Disassociate
To disconnect from things associated; to disunite; to dissociate.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 11, 2023
Dissociate
(intransitive) To part; to stop associating.
After the big fight, the gang totally dissociated from each other.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 11, 2023
Disassociate
Part; cease or break association with;
She disassociated herself from the organization when she found out the identity of the president
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 11, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 11, 2023
Dissociate
To undergo dissociation.
Gerald checked himself into the hospital because he was dissociating.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 11, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 11, 2023
Dissociate
Part; cease or break association with;
She disassociated herself from the organization when she found out the identity of the president
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 11, 2023
Dissociate
Regard as unconnected;
You must dissociate these two events!
Decouple our foreign policy from ideology
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 11, 2023
Dissociate
To undergo a reversible or temporary breakdown of a molecule into simpler molecules or atoms;
Acids dissociate to give hydrogen ions
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 11, 2023
FAQs
Are Dissociate and Disassociate synonyms?
Yes, both words convey the idea of detaching or disconnecting.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Which is more common, Dissociate or Disassociate?
Dissociate is more commonly used.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can Dissociate be used in a psychological context?
Yes, it can refer to a detachment from reality or emotions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Do both words have the same root?
Yes, both derive from "socius," meaning companion.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Is Dissociate shorter in terms of spelling?
Yes, it's more concise due to the lack of an extra prefix.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Is Disassociate grammatically correct?
Yes, while less common, it's still accepted and understood.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can I use Disassociate in academic writing?
Yes, though Dissociate might be more common in such contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Is one more formal than the other?
Dissociate is often preferred in formal writings, but both are formal.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can Disassociate be used to mean distancing from a controversy?
Yes, like disassociating oneself from a scandal.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Can Disassociate imply a voluntary action?
Yes, like choosing to disassociate from a group.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Which is more concise?
Dissociate is more concise due to its direct derivation.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
What's the main difference between the two?
Mostly preference, with Dissociate being more direct and common.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Are there regions where one is more favored than the other?
Both are used in American English, but Dissociate might be more globally recognized.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Can Disassociate mean breaking a partnership?
Yes, like ending a business association.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
In everyday speech, which is more prevalent?
It varies by individual, but Dissociate is generally more common.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Is Dissociate used in medical contexts?
Yes, especially relating to psychological dissociative disorders.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Does Dissociate have a chemical meaning?
Yes, referring to a compound breaking down into its components.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Are they interchangeable in all contexts?
Generally, yes, though Dissociate is more common in specific technical contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Do both words suggest a complete separation?
Yes, both suggest a detachment or disconnection.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
