1. 联系;联想
    If you associate someone or something with another thing, the two are connected in your mind.

    e.g. Through science we've got the idea of associating progress with the future...
           通过科学我们知道了应该把进步和未来联系起来。
    e.g. Rap groups have been barred from large musical events because they are associated with vandalism.
           说唱组合被禁止参加大型的音乐活动，因为他们使人联想到肆意破坏公共财产的行为。

2. 使与（某个组织、事业或观点）有关系;公开支持
    If you are associated with a particular organization, cause, or point of view, or if you associate yourself with it, you support it publicly.

associate

    e.g. I haven't been associated with the project over the last year...
           我去年一直没有参与那个项目。
    e.g. The press feels the need to associate itself with the green movement.
           媒体感到有必要支持绿色运动。

3. 与…为伍;与…交往;与…厮混
    If you say that someone is associating with another person or group of people, you mean they are spending a lot of time in the company of people you do not approve of.

associate什么意思

    e.g. What would they think if they knew that they were associating with a murderer?...
           如果他们知道自己正在与一个杀人犯为伍会怎么想?
    e.g. They disapproved of her dancing at discos and associating with homosexuals.
           他们不同意她在迪斯科舞厅跳舞并和同性恋鬼混。

4. （尤指）同事;合作人;伙伴
    Your associates are the people you are closely connected with, especially at work.

    e.g. ...the restaurant owner's business associates.
           餐馆老板的商业伙伴

5. （用于等级或头衔前，表示稍有不同或略低）副的，准的
    Associate is used before a rank or title to indicate a slightly different or lower rank or title.

    e.g. Mr Lin is associate director of the Institute...
           林先生是研究所的副所长。
    e.g. She applied for associate membership last year.
           她去年申请成为准会员。