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

This assessment argues that the impact of tariff levels perhaps rising to a level not seen in a century could lead to supply chain dislocation. —Simon Moore, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025

Disruption grows out of profound social, economic or political dislocation that demands solutions that go beyond traditional approaches. —Dennis M. Powell, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025

But Trump administration officials appear willing to tolerate some economic dislocation as the price of their sweeping policy agenda. —Courtenay Brown, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025

This isn't critical because European companies have their own satellites, but not all these are focused on military dislocation and movements, which is important. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 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