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. Compare defect ( def 3 ).

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

Beltway Democrats were quick to declare the pandemic over, despite the well-documented economic dislocation that lingered.

From Salon

That part was true, with manager Dave Roberts describing Ohtani’s injury as a shoulder subluxation — a partial dislocation less severe than if it had been completely dislocated.

From Los Angeles Times

The initial diagnosis provided by manager Dave Roberts: a subluxation, or partial dislocation, of the left shoulder.

From Los Angeles Times

Roberts was calling Ohtani’s injury “a little left shoulder subluxation,” which translates into a partial dislocation.

From Los Angeles Times

According to Roberts, Ohtani sustained a shoulder subluxation, essentially a partial dislocation less severe than if his shoulder had fully come out of its socket.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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