dislocation

noun

dis·​lo·​ca·​tion ˌdis-(ˌ)lō-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce dislocation (audio)
-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

Examples of dislocation in a Sentence

the slightest dislocation in her daily routine bothered the elderly woman
Recent Examples on the Web There are several surgical kneecap stabilization procedures that can be done for recurring patella dislocations or subluxations. Jonathan Cluett, Md, Verywell Health, 9 Nov. 2023 Chubb suffered a major injury to the same knee in 2015 while in college at Georgia — a dislocation with three torn ligaments. CBS News, 19 Sep. 2023 As night fell, this mood, tinged with hints of dislocation and panic, took hold. Aatish Taseer, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2023 As students prepare for the workforce, generative AI and other sweeping technological changes present opportunities for greater productivity but also the challenge of accelerating workforce dislocations. John Rogers, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2023 Ketamine can be used for general anesthesia, but it’s typically used only for shorter procedures, like fixing dislocations and fractures. Lauren Dunn, NBC News, 26 Oct. 2023 Immigrant dislocation, the notion of being stuck between worlds, and the idea of America as a land of opportunity are explored in what feels like a cursory manner. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Sep. 2023 As a Fulbright scholar who spent years as an expatriate herself, including stints as a writer in residence at the University of Richmond in Virginia and as a visiting professor in the Africana studies department at Brown University, Ms. Aidoo too experienced feelings of cultural dislocation. Alex Williams, New York Times, 5 June 2023 This condition, characterized by the dislocation or displacement of the kneecap, can cause discomfort and limit your dog's mobility. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2023 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dislocation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near dislocation

Cite this Entry

“Dislocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dislocation. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

dislocation

noun
dis·​lo·​ca·​tion ˌdis-(ˌ)lō-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce dislocation (audio)
: 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- How to pronounce dislocation (audio)
: displacement of one or more bones at a joint : luxation

More from Merriam-Webster on dislocation

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