dislocation

American  

[dis-loh-key-shuhn] / ˌdɪs loʊˈkeɪ ʃən /

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.

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dislocation British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of dislocation

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

Compare meaning

How does dislocation compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• subluxation vs. dislocation

Example Sentences

“We believe we are now at an inflection point that allows us to capitalize on dislocations and inefficiencies,” Boyd continued in the letter.

From The Wall Street Journal

Although the projected decline was small, drops of any kind are rare and usually driven by big dislocations in the global economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

His melody is streaked with both hope and resignation, while brief guitar interludes underscore the sense of dislocation.

From The Wall Street Journal

What they won’t give you is direct exposure to the specific dislocation that is going on now.

From MarketWatch

“Charter management may not be able to change the narrative, but they can take advantage of the dislocation” through buybacks.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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