dislocation

noun

dis·​lo·​ca·​tion ˌdis-(ˌ)lō-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce dislocation (audio)
-lə-
Synonyms of dislocationnext
: 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

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Examples of dislocation in a Sentence

the slightest dislocation in her daily routine bothered the elderly woman
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The notice must state the reason for the temporary dislocation and the dates and times treatment will start and is expected to end. — Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 31 July 2026 My real worry is that a genuine dislocation could see everything move down together--equities, gold, even short/intermediate Treasuries--if the shock originates in the dollar, inflation, or fiscal credibility rather than growth. — Carrie McCabe, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 Advertisement These ideas directly confront the risks of labor market dislocation and rising inequality but leave unanswered questions about how to create meaningful work and purpose. — Lynn Forester De Rothschild, Time, 15 July 2026 The insurance company has the best underwriting track record among personal auto insurers due to its market dislocation. — Sean Conlon,joseph Wilkins,lee Ying Shan,fred Imbert, CNBC, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dislocation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dislocation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for dislocation

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Browse Nearby Words

dislocatedness
dislocation
dislocator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dislocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dislocation. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dislocation

noun
dis·​lo·​ca·​tion ˌdis-(ˌ)lō-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce dislocation (audio)
: 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- How to pronounce dislocation (audio)
: displacement of one or more bones at a joint : luxation

More from Merriam-Webster on dislocation

Nglish: Translation of dislocation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dislocation

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