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

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

Here are two people who don’t just feel out of place in Tokyo, but everywhere, and somehow find great comfort in seeing that dislocation reflected back to them. —Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024

In contrast, the United States in the 1970s suffered terrible inflationary pressures, financial dislocation, and substandard economic performance even though its outstanding government debt averaged only 33% of the county’s GDP. —Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

There is, for survivors, dislocation, hunger, and disease. —Bernard Avishai, The New Yorker, 8 Oct. 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