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

Growing dislocation between what consumers pay and expenses incurred by insurance carriers. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025

The Patriots desperately wanted to sign Godwin in free agency this offseason, but the wide receiver, coming off of an ankle dislocation, elected to take a pay cut to remain with the Bucs. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

Though Skattebo and fellow rookie Jaxson Dart have been exciting to watch, the rookie running back will now spend the next several months recovering from the ankle dislocation and surgery. —James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

Case studies from the National Institutes of Health indicate that fewer than 1% of ankle dislocations occur without broken bones. —Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 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