# dissociative

/dɪsˈəʊsiətˌɪv/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dissociative
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

describing a mental state where you feel disconnected from your body, your thoughts, or the world around you. It can also describe drugs that cause this feeling.

For teachers: relating to a psychological state of detachment from one's thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity. Often describes substances that induce a trance-like state or a feeling of being outside one's body.

## Examples

- The patient reported a dissociative feeling during the stressful event.
- Some dissociative drugs are used in medical settings for anesthesia, though they are also known for their hallucinogenic properties.
- The therapist noted that the patient's dissociative symptoms were likely a protective mechanism developed during early childhood to cope with overwhelming trauma.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.