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.
Yet for all its honesty about that dislocation, the film remains remarkably hopeful. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 My symptoms are legion, but among the most debilitating is joint subluxation, or partial dislocation. — Lydia Cruz, Denver Post, 22 May 2026 Goalkeepers endure frequent upper limb trauma, like finger dislocations, from high-force ball impacts, necessitating robust glove protection. — Dr. Tal Patalon, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 That sense of alienation and dislocation intensified after the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. — Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 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 9 Jul. 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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