dislocation

noun

dis·​lo·​ca·​tion ˌdis-(ˌ)lō-ˈkā-shən 

-lə-

: the act of dislocating : the state of being dislocated: such as

a

: displacement of one or more bones at a joint : luxation

b

: a discontinuity in the otherwise normal lattice structure of a crystal

c

: disruption of an established order

Synonyms

• disruption
• disturbance

Examples of dislocation in a Sentence

the slightest dislocation in her daily routine bothered the elderly woman

Recent Examples on the Web

For people who don’t have a lot of experience with that kind of dislocation and have invested heavily in education and professional training, networking, and keeping their skills sharp, facing an extended period of unemployment can spark a mental health crisis. —Amanda Miller Littlejohn, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Drifting between moving-image formats and collaging local textures and bygone voices, Oscar Ruiz Navia’s film reflects on loss and mourning as experiences of temporal dislocation. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025

Geopolitical dislocation could involve the biggest costs of all. —Clive Crook, Twin Cities, 29 July 2025

Capturing the Zeitgeist – its violence, and sense of dislocation – the WIP selection is alos a sign of industry times. —John Hopewell, Variety, 29 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dislocation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

dislocation

noun

dis·​lo·​ca·​tion ˌdis-(ˌ)lō-ˈkā-shən 

: the act of dislocating : the state of being dislocated

especially : displacement of one or more bones at a joint

Medical Definition

dislocation

noun

dis·​lo·​ca·​tion ˌdis-(ˌ)lō-ˈkā-shən, -lə- 

: displacement of one or more bones at a joint : luxation