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

• derangement
• disruption
• disturbance
• upset

Examples of dislocation in a Sentence

the slightest dislocation in her daily routine bothered the elderly woman

Recent Examples on the Web

That silence is a reflection of her parents’ dislocation. —Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 2 June 2025

But for many, sadly too many, shelter carries other, more painful meanings: a marker of dislocation, of homes gone, of safety, memory, and love lost. —Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025

Aster is out to capture how the dislocation of reality that’s becoming the coin of the realm isn’t just a political/media phenomenon; its tentacles reach right into the heart of intimate relationships. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025

But in the midst of profound uncertainty and genuine pain and dislocation afflicting many, to convey confidence in addressing a highly volatile and fundamentally uncertain future would be inauthentic, and likely to be seen as such. —Paul Laudicina, Forbes.com, 8 May 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