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

His ankle got caught beneath and twisted at a gruesome angle, and Thornton was carted off the field and diagnosed with a dislocation, effectively ending his season. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

The industrial revolutions of the past produced enormous value alongside bankruptcies, dislocations, and periods of irrational exuberance. — Brian Solis, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

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

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