disorient

verb

dis·​ori·​ent (ˌ)dis-ˈȯr-ē-ˌent 

disoriented; disorienting; disorients

transitive verb

1

a

: to cause to lose bearings : displace from normal position or relationship

b

: to cause to lose the sense of time, place, or identity

2

: confuse

Synonyms of disorient

• confuse
• bewilder
• perplex
• baffle
• puzzle

Examples of disorient in a Sentence

Thick fog can disorient even an experienced hiker.

troops disoriented by the sudden change in battle plans

Recent Examples on the Web

In the Victoria Room, a centerpiece of kaleidoscopes and angled mirrors creates a shifting, disorienting effect that echoes Alice’s world, surrounded by lush seasonal plantings. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 25 June 2026

The two respond to the upheaval in different ways, one embracing a new lease on life, the other feeling unmoored and disoriented. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 24 June 2026

John Moore, who is not related, and Sarah Burleson, who live in the apartment, told NBC affiliate WIS of Columbia that Moore seemed disoriented. — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 22 June 2026

The key difference and one of the tells of heatstroke is a change in mental state, so if a friend is acting confused or disoriented, call 911 immediately. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

French désorienter, from dés- dis- + orienter to orient

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for disorient

• circumvent
• discontent
• fundament
• malcontent
• occident
• orient
• president
• presidente
• reinvent
• represent
• underwent
• accent

Kids Definition

disorient

verb

dis·​ori·​ent (ˈ)dis-ˈōr-ē-ˌent 

-ˈȯr-

: to cause to be confused or lost

Medical Definition

disorient

transitive verb

dis·​ori·​ent (ˈ)dis-ˈōr-ē-ˌent, -ˈȯr- 

: to produce a state of disorientation in : disorientate

the next day the patient was disoriented but not comatose

—The Journal of the American Medical Association