dissociation
Pronunciation:
/ˈdɪˌsəʊʃɪieɪʃən/noun
Definitions
The act of dissociating or disuniting; a state of separation; disunion.
The process by which a compound body breaks up into simpler constituents; said particularly of the action of heat on gaseous or volatile substances.
Example: the dissociation of ammonium chloride into hydrochloric acid and ammonia
A defence mechanism where certain thoughts or mental processes are compartmentalised in order to avoid emotional stress to the conscious mind.