[v. uh-soh-shee-eyt, -see-; n., adj., uh-soh-shee-it, -eyt, -see-] 
verb, -at⋅ed, -at⋅ing, noun, adjective | 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
ʃiˌeɪt