— associateship , n.
v. /euh soh"shee ayt', -see-/ ; n., adj., /euh soh"shee it, -ayt', -see-/ , v. , associated, associating , 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.
4. to enter into union; unite.
5. to keep company, as a friend, companion, or ally: He was accused of associating with known criminals.
6. to join together as partners or colleagues.
n.
7. 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.
8. a companion or comrade: my most intimate associates.
9. a confederate; an accomplice or ally: criminal associates.
10. anything usually accompanying or associated with another; an accompaniment or concomitant.
11. a person who is admitted to a subordinate degree of membership in an association or institution: an associate of the Royal Academy.
adj.
12. connected, joined, or related, esp. as a companion or colleague; having equal or nearly equal responsibility: an associate partner.
13. having subordinate status; without full rights and privileges: an associate member.
14. allied; concomitant.
[ 1400-50; late ME associatus joined to, united with (ptp. of associare ), equiv. to as- AS- + soci- (see SOCIAL) + -atus -ATE 1 ; cf. AF associer (v.), associé (n.) ]
Syn. 1. link. 7, 8 . See acquaintance .
Ant. 1. dissociate. 7-9 . adversary.