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

Any time an identity becomes a trend, there is an inevitable sense of dislocation. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024

The Grizzlies were already without star guard Ja Morant, who hasn’t played since suffering pelvic muscle strains and subluxation (partial dislocation) in his right hip in last week’s matchup against the Lakers, Desmond Bane (strained right oblique) and GG Jackson (right foot surgery recovery). —Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024

Trump was a perfect champion for the resulting and widespread sense of cultural dislocation. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2024

Most agree that a transition away from fossil fuels is a good and needed thing, but very few who study the issue closely believe it can be done quickly, or without massive dislocation and collateral impacts, some or many of which cannot really be predicted, let alone dealt with, in advance. —Daniel Markind, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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