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 of dislocation

• 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 long-term investors, that kind of dislocation can be an opportunity. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026

Little mention was made of the possibility that India’s vast technology workforce might be uniquely vulnerable to dislocation by AI tools like Claude Code and Claude Cowork, and their competitors, that AI CEOs touted during their keynote addresses. —Billy Perrigo, Time, 20 Feb. 2026

Hill, who is recovering from a season-ending knee dislocation and ligament damage, is free to sign before the start of free agency because he was released Monday. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026

And that dislocation tore the labrum, which is the tissue that surrounds the socket and attaches it to the bone. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 10 Feb. 2026

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