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 firm reiterated its buy-rating on the stock Wednesday, calling the dislocation a buying opportunity. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 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 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
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Cite this Entry

“Dislocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dislocation. Accessed 19 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dislocation

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