dissociation

noun ! Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about dissociation at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

1. The act of removing from association.
2. A state in which some integrated part of a person's life becomes separated from the rest of the personality and functions independently.
3. (chemistry) the temporary or reversible process in which a molecule or ion is broken down into smaller molecules or ions.