What is disassociate vs dissociate?

Disassociate and dissociate are two words with very similar meanings. Both words refer to a detachment or separation from something, whether it be a feeling, an emotion, a memory, or a situation.

The main difference between disassociate and dissociate is their origin. Disassociate comes from the Latin word "dis-", which means "apart," while dissociate comes from the Latin word "dis-" as well as the Greek word "suneidos," which means "together."

In general, disassociate is often used to describe a less severe detachment or separation, whereas dissociate is often used to describe a more severe or complete detachment or separation. Additionally, dissociate has a stronger association with psychological states and mental health, while disassociate can be used in more general contexts.

For example, someone might disassociate themselves from a group of friends they no longer feel connected to, while someone might dissociate themselves from a traumatic experience as a coping mechanism.