dislocate

verb

dis·​lo·​cate ˈdis-lō-ˌkāt How to pronounce dislocate (audio)
-lə-;
(ˌ)dis-ˈlō- How to pronounce dislocate (audio)
dislocated; dislocating; dislocates

transitive verb

1
: to put out of place
specifically : to displace (a bone) from normal connections with another bone
2
: to force a change in the usual status, relationship, or order of : disrupt

Example Sentences

She fell and dislocated her shoulder. The new hotel will dislocate several businesses. Thousands of workers have been dislocated by the latest economic crisis.
Recent Examples on the Web In some cases, an athlete may even dislocate the big toe. Elizabeth Quinn, Verywell Health, 17 May 2023 The two players Auburn will be without: wide receiver Malcolm Johnson Jr., who injured his right collarbone and is expected out until June, and offensive lineman Tate Johnson, who dislocated his elbow. Tom Green | Tgreen@al.com, al, 20 Mar. 2023 No need to struggle with pulling these up and over your calves, dislocating a finger in the process. Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2023 Gubicza was there when Jackson became mortal, dislocating his left hip during a Raiders playoff game at Los Angeles Coliseum in January 1991. Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2023 When that detail comes within the context of Laramie, the effect is dislocating. Vulture, 6 Apr. 2023 The percussionist underwent surgery Tuesday after dislocating and tearing ligaments in his left ring finger. Christi Carrasstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2023 For the first time in nearly a decade, Tom DeLonge would be performing alongside Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker – but now Barker is out, having undergone surgery earlier this week after dislocating and tearing ligaments in his ring finger. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2023 In recent weeks, the Indian government has also bulldozed homeless shelters and slums in New Delhi, which activists say are part of a G-20 beautification campaign that is dislocating the poor. Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dislocate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin dislocatus, past participle of dislocare, from Latin dis- + locare to locate

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dislocate was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near dislocate

Cite this Entry

“Dislocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dislocate. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

dislocate

verb
dis·​lo·​cate ˈdis-lō-ˌkāt How to pronounce dislocate (audio)
(ˈ)dis-ˈlō-
1
: to put out of place
especially : to displace (a bone) from normal connections with another bone
2

Medical Definition

dislocate

transitive verb
dislocated; dislocating
: to put (a body part) out of order by displacing a bone from its normal connections with another bone
he dislocated his shoulder
also : to displace (a bone) from normal connections with another bone
the humerus was dislocated in the fall

More from Merriam-Webster on dislocate

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