associate: Meaning and Definition of

as•so•ci•ate

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.

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.

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.

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.