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

We meet parents who have suffered unspeakable tragedy and dislocation, and now grapple with grueling night work, and low or no pay.

From Washington Post

You’re not going to see that kind of dislocation — that’s not in the plans.

From Digiday

While on the media side, the same kind of dislocation occurred, with media companies looking to fill ad inventory.

From Digiday

After multiple dislocations in the winter of 2018, I needed surgery on both shoulders, so my ski season ended early.

From Outside Online

As we think of coming out of this pandemic, which we know is causing a lot of dislocation, we will turn to community colleges for training programs and other short-term certificates in order to help those workers adapt to the changing labor market.

From Freakonomics

One feels the same sense of dislocation reading Zweig, his world is indeed a “world of yesterday”.

From The Daily Beast

Surviving the cultural and social dislocation is possible as she uses her past as a source of emotional strength.

From The Daily Beast

During the height of the crisis, Westergaard described the disorientation and dislocation of living under guard.

From The Daily Beast

But a sudden removal of resources without a long-term plan in place will lead to serious social dislocation.

From The Daily Beast

He foresaw violence, bloodshed, public anarchy, economic dislocation, and defeat for him and the Democrats in the coming election.

From The Daily Beast

But while the tenth man still labors, the machine, though creaking with its dislocation, can still go on.

From Project Gutenberg

Even a minor dislocation breaks down a certain part of the machinery of society.

From Project Gutenberg

Sunshine blazed from Leonti's eyes, he smiled so broadly that even the hair on his brow stirred with the dislocation caused.

From Project Gutenberg

There is in the base h somewhat less chance of accidental dislocation, and somewhat greater solidity and weight.

From Project Gutenberg

For here all seems fallen asunder, in wide-yawning dislocation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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