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

And the massive jolt of economic dislocation that AI moguls like Amodei see on the horizon could spark a powerful political backlash. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Dec. 2025

The most common type of the disorder is hEDS, and people diagnosed with it often deal with joint pain and easy dislocations. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has remained consistent in his desire to return this season from his left elbow dislocation. —Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025

Jean Chen Ho on dislocation and longing in Upstate New York. —Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 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