Associate  —v. (-ting) 1 connect mentally (associate holly with christmas). 2 join or combine, esp. For a common purpose. 3 refl. Declare oneself or be in agreement. 4 (usu. Foll. By with) meet frequently or deal. —n. 1 partner, colleague. 2 friend, companion. 3 subordinate member of a society etc. —adj. 1 joined or allied. 2 of lower status (associate member).  associative adj. [latin socius allied]