free association


noun Psychoanalysis.

the uncensored expression of the ideas, impressions, etc., passing through the mind of the analysand, a technique used to facilitate access to the unconscious.

Origin of free association

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example sentences from the Web for free association

  • Both creative writers, artists and scientific problem solvers use the stream of consciousness or free-association skill.

British Dictionary definitions for free association

free association

noun

psychoanal a method of exploring a person's unconscious by eliciting words and thoughts that are associated with key words provided by a psychoanalyst
a spontaneous mental process whereby ideas, words, or images suggest other ideas, etc, in a nonlogical chain reaction

Medical definitions for free association

free association
[ frē ]

n.

A psychoanalytic technique in which a patient verbalizes the passing contents of his or her mind without reservation. The verbalized conflicts that emerge constitute resistances that are the basis of the psychoanalyst's interpretations.