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

The dislocations and displacements — dramaturgical, visual, musical, acoustical — add up. —Justin Davidson, Vulture, 20 June 2025

However, if international trade dislocations continue, the U.S. is likely to see lessening demand for the dollar and U.S. financial assets. —Randy Watts, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025

The film’s semi-documentary style captures the gritty reality of economic dislocation. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 14 May 2025

This economic dislocation may be a boon to Beijing’s regional foreign policy aspirations. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 29 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