free association

noun

1
a
: the expression (as by speaking or writing) of the content of consciousness without censorship as an aid in gaining access to unconscious processes especially in psychoanalysis
b
: the reporting of the first thought that comes to mind in response to a given stimulus (such as a word)
2
: an idea or image elicited by free association
3
: a method using free association
free-associate intransitive verb
free-associative
ˌfrē-ə-ˈsō-sē-ˌā-tiv How to pronounce free association (audio)
-shē-ˌā-
-shə-tiv
adjective

Examples of free association in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Such is free association in the age of late capitalism. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 Meanwhile, independence trailed and free association did not make it onto the ballot. Christina D. Ponsa-Kraus / Made By History, TIME, 11 Oct. 2024 To protect both free association rights and fairness, therefore, states should make the elimination of legacy preferences a precondition for public aid rather than a mandatory decree. Frederick Hess, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 That calibration serves a purpose, according to Freud: As a site of potential discomfort, eye contact is not conducive to free association, which is what a therapist wants from their patients. Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for free association 

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of free association was in 1925

Dictionary Entries Near free association

Cite this Entry

“Free association.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20association. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

free association

noun
1
a
: the expression (as by speaking or writing) of the content of consciousness without censorship as an aid in gaining access to unconscious processes especially in psychoanalysis
b
: the reporting of the first thought that comes to mind in response to a given stimulus (as a word)
2
: an idea or image elicited by free association
3
: a method using free association

More from Merriam-Webster on free association

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