free association

noun, Psychoanalysis
1.
the uncensored expression of the ideas, impressions, etc., passing through the mind of the analysand, a technique used to facilitate access to the unconscious.
Origin
1895-1900
British Dictionary definitions for free association

free association

noun
1.
(psychoanal) a method of exploring a person's unconscious by eliciting words and thoughts that are associated with key words provided by a psychoanalyst
2.
a spontaneous mental process whereby ideas, words, or images suggest other ideas, etc, in a nonlogical chain reaction
free association in Medicine

free association n.
A psychoanalytic technique in which a patient verbalizes the passing contents of his or her mind without reservation. The verbalized conflicts that emerge constitute resistances that are the basis of the psychoanalyst's interpretations.