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

The Commanders quarterback was back at practice 10 days after suffering his second dislocation. — Tashan Reed, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026

And bond volatility surged this month, raising concerns about dislocations arising in markets. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026

Surgery is drastic and rarely needed following an elbow dislocation. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2026

After the game, Commanders coach Dan Quinn confirmed the dislocation but said imaging showed no fracture and that Daniels would fly home with the team. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

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