disorient

verb

dis·​ori·​ent (ˌ)dis-ˈȯr-ē-ˌent How to pronounce disorient (audio)
disoriented; disorienting; disorients
Synonyms of disorientnext

transitive verb

1
a
: to cause to lose bearings : displace from normal position or relationship
b
: to cause to lose the sense of time, place, or identity
2
: confuse

Synonyms of disorient

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Examples of disorient in a Sentence

Thick fog can disorient even an experienced hiker. troops disoriented by the sudden change in battle plans
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.
Luwi was disoriented by how much had changed in the years he was gone. — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Moore said older patients can become disoriented and delirious after long periods in the ER, raising the risk of falls. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026 The diver was gasping for air and appeared disoriented but was not injured, Local 10 reported. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Ideally, the assailant is too distracted and disoriented by the drones to focus on attacking students and faculty. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disorient

Word History

Etymology

French désorienter, from dés- dis- + orienter to orient

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of disorient was in 1655

Rhymes for disorient

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Browse Nearby Words

disorganizer
disorient
disorientate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disorient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disorient. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

disorient

verb
dis·​ori·​ent (ˈ)dis-ˈōr-ē-ˌent How to pronounce disorient (audio)
-ˈȯr-
: to cause to be confused or lost

Medical Definition

disorient

transitive verb
dis·​ori·​ent (ˈ)dis-ˈōr-ē-ˌent, -ˈȯr- How to pronounce disorient (audio)
: to produce a state of disorientation in : disorientate
the next day the patient was disoriented but not comatose—The Journal of the American Medical Association

More from Merriam-Webster on disorient

Nglish: Translation of disorient for Spanish Speakers

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