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.
Researchers found that during long flights across the Atlantic, these birds become disoriented as their internal clock falls out of sync with the sun. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026 To reduce the risk of disorienting light, sound and crowds, the release won’t be publicly announced in advance. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 Bertha is equally disoriented without her supportive spouse, but Coon believes that her character was justified in pressuring Gladys to marry royalty. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 28 Oct. 2026 One evening, he apparently became disoriented while out alone and fell and hit his head. — Lance B. Fulford, Fortune, 25 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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
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