(often + with) to involve (a person or group) with another, typically more powerful one, e.g. as a business partner or ally
(often in passive, often + with) to involve or connect (somebody or something) with a particular thing, quality, feeling, etc
He began to associate exams with failure
the rituals associated with getting married
(often + with) to come together as partners, or mix socially as friends or companions
She didn't want him associating with drug-takers
(often + with) to combine or join with other parts; to unite
Cells typically associate with cells of their own class
associatory /-ət(ə)ri/ adj
[Middle English associat associated, from Latin associatus, past part. of associare to unite, from as- + sociare to join, from socius companion]