dissociate

verb ~ to disconnect, disunite

“It would be naive to suggest that the success of an idea can be totally dissociated from the personality of the man or woman who propounds it.” ~ Ronald W. Clark, The Survival of Charles Darwin

Did you know? –> Both “dissociate” and disassociate” can mean “to separate from association or union with another.” “Associate” is from Latin ad-, meaning “to,” and sociare, meaning “to join.” “Dis-” means “to do the opposite of.” So both dissociate” and “disassociate” indicate severing that which is united, but some commentators argue that “disassociate” is illogical because it indicates separating and uniting simultaneously. “Dissociate” is slightly older, dating from 1582; “disassociate” dates from 1603. “Dissociate” is recommended by a number of commentators on the ground that it’s shorter — not the firmest ground for that decision.

Merriam-Webster’s 365 New Words Calendar, www.pageaday.com, Workman Publishing