associate: Meaning and Definition of

as•so•ci•ate

Pronunciation: (v.u-sō'shē-āt", -sē-n., adj.,u-sō'shē-it, -āt", -sē-), [key]
— v., n., adj. -at•ed, -at•ing,
—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.
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