Free Association (Noun)
Meaning
A thought process in which ideas (words or images) suggest other ideas in a sequence.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The psychoanalyst used a technique of free association to help her patient uncover the underlying cause of their anxiety.
- In her free association exercise, she started with the word "ocean" and ended up thinking about her childhood vacations.
- Free association was a key part of the artist's creative process, as he allowed his subconscious to guide his brushstrokes.
- The writer's free association techniques helped her generate new ideas for her novel's plot twists.
- By engaging in free association, the student was able to brainstorm innovative solutions to the complex problem.