dislocate

verb

dis·​lo·​cate ˈdis-lō-ˌkāt 

-lə-;

(ˌ)dis-ˈlō- 

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

Synonyms

• budge
• displace
• disturb
• move
• relocate
• remove
• reposition
• shift
• transfer
• transpose

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 | [e-mail], 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

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

Kids Definition

dislocate

verb

dis·​lo·​cate ˈdis-lō-ˌkāt 

(ˈ)dis-ˈlō-

1

: to put out of place

especially : to displace (a bone) from normal connections with another bone

2

: disrupt

Medical Definition

dislocate

transitive verb

dis·​lo·​cate ˈdis-lō-ˌkāt  -lə-; (ˈ)dis-ˈlō-ˌkāt 

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