verb
    
    -ates; -ated; -ating
    
    [+ obj] :to think of one person or thing when you think of another person or thing - usually + with
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    When one thing is associated with another, they happen together or are related or connected in some way.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    to be together with another person or group as friends, partners, etc. [no obj]
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    If you associate yourself with something, such as a political movement, you show or say that you support and agree with it.
    
    
    
    noun
    
    plural -ates
    
    [count] a person who you work with or spend time with
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    a member of a group or organization who is at a level that is below the highest level
    
    
    
    
    
    adjective
    
    always used before a noun
    
    having a rank or position that is below the highest level in a group, organization, etc.