v., n., & adj.
v. 1 tr. connect in the mind (associate holly with Christmas). 2 tr. join or combine. 3 refl. make oneself a partner; declare oneself in agreement (associate myself in your endeavour; did not want to associate ourselves with the plan). 4 intr. combine for a common purpose. 5 intr. (usu. foll. by with) meet frequently or have dealings.
n. 1 a business partner or colleague. 2 a friend or companion. 3 a subordinate member of a body, institute, etc. 4 a thing connected with another.
adj. 1 joined in companionship, function, or dignity. 2 allied; in the same group or category. 3 of less than full status (associate member). associateship n. associator n. associatory adj.
[ E f. L associatus past part. of associare (as AD-, socius sharing, allied) ]