Dictionary
as•so•ci•ate
Pronunciation: (
—v.u-sō'shē-āt", -sē-;
—n., adj.,u-sō'shē-it, -āt", -sē-), [key]
—v., -at•ed, -at•ing,
—n., adj.
—
v.t.
1. to connect or bring into relation, as thought, feeling, memory, etc.:
Many people associate dark clouds with depression and gloom.
2. to join as a companion, partner, or ally:
to associate oneself with a cause.
3. to unite; combine:
coal associated with shale.
—
v.i.
1. to enter into union; unite.
2. to keep company, as a friend, companion, or ally:
He was accused of associating with known criminals.
3. to join together as partners or colleagues.
—
n.
1. a person who shares actively in anything as a business, enterprise, or undertaking; partner; colleague; fellow worker:
He consulted with his associates before proceeding further.
2. a companion or comrade:
my most intimate associates.
3. a confederate; an accomplice or ally:
criminal associates.
4. anything usually accompanying or associated with another; an accompaniment or concomitant.
5. a person who is admitted to a subordinate degree of membership in an association or institution:
an associate of the Royal Academy.
—
adj.
1. connected, joined, or related, esp. as a companion or colleague; having equal or nearly equal responsibility:
an associate partner.
2. having subordinate status; without full rights and privileges:
an associate member.
3. allied; concomitant.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
