dislocation

[dis-loh-key-shuhn]

noun

1. an act or instance of dislocating.

2. the state of being dislocated.

3. Crystallography.,  (in a crystal lattice) a line about which there is a discontinuity in the lattice structure.

dislocation

/ ˌdɪsləˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of displacing or the state of being displaced; disruption

2. (esp of the bones in a joint) the state or condition of being dislocated

3. a line, plane, or region in which there is a discontinuity in the regularity of a crystal lattice

4. geology a less common word for fault

Word History and Origins

Origin of dislocation¹

1350–1400; Middle English dislocacioun; dislocate, -ion

Example Sentences

Across the country, reports involving injuries to school staff caused by acts of violence have included loss or reduction of sight, concussion, fractures, dislocations and crush injuries.

From BBC

But she is left with anxiety — a remnant of the fire for which no one has offered her help — and a sense of dislocation and discontent.

From Los Angeles Times

All the difficulties that typically attach to reporting these harms — from fear of retaliation to depending on the abuser for support — could be exacerbated by dislocation.

From Salon

On the first evening of the fifth Test, he chased the ball to the boundary and suffered the suspected dislocation.

From BBC

"My first one was just a clean rupture, just a turn, and my second one was actual dislocation which caused the rupture," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• confusion 
• disarray 
• disconnection 
• disorder 
• disruption 
• disturbance