equate (someone or something) with (someone or something)
To perceive someone or something as being representative or equivalent to someone or something else. I think I enjoy summer so much because I just equate warm weather with happiness. I often let my kids play with my parents' very docile dog so that they don't equate dogs with fear.
equate someone or something with someone or something
to compare people and things, in any combination. I tend to equate Tom with trouble. I equate the Johnsons with a long boring evening.