free association, noun

1. The mental process by which one word or image may spontaneously suggest another without any apparent connection

2. A psychoanalytic technique for investigation of the unconscious mind, in which a relaxed subject reports all passing thoughts without reservation

3. The forming of a group, political alliance, or other organization without any constraint or external restriction

e.g.: "...it would violate their First Amendment rights of free association and free expression" • Ask me anything
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