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Dislocate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dislocate

[ˈdɪsləˌkeɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

medical

To displace (a bone) from its normal position, typically through injury.

Synonyms

displace, misplace, shift.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dislocate

Also can refer to the disturbance or displacement of something from its usual or proper place, but this is less common.

  • The earthquake dislocated many people from their homes.
displace

Refers to moving something from its usual position or the forced movement of people from their homes, typically used in environmental or social contexts.

  • The river's flooding displaced hundreds of families.
  • War often displaces entire communities.
misplace

Commonly used when something is temporarily lost or put in the wrong place, often through carelessness.

  • I seem to have misplaced my keys.
  • He's always misplacing his phone.
shift

Used to describe a change in position, direction, or focus. Can be used in various contexts like work schedules, opinion changes, and physical movement.

  • They shifted the meeting to Friday.
  • The company shifted its focus to online sales.
  • You need to shift to the left lane.

Examples of usage

  • The fall dislocated his shoulder.
  • The athlete dislocated his knee during the game.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To force (something) out of its usual place.

Synonyms

move, relocate, shift.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dislocate

This term is primarily used in medical settings when a bone is forced out of its normal position.

  • She dislocated her shoulder while playing volleyball.
  • The doctor explained how to avoid dislocating the joint again.
move

A general term used for changing the position of something or someone. It can be used in various contexts, from physical movement to changing houses.

  • They decided to move to a bigger house.
  • Please move the chair to the other side of the room.
relocate

Commonly used in professional or business contexts when someone or something is permanently moved to a new place.

  • The company decided to relocate its headquarters to another city.
  • She needs to relocate for her new job.
shift

Typically used when small adjustments or changes in position or direction are needed. Can also refer to changes in work schedules.

  • Shift the table slightly to the left.
  • He is working the night shift this week.

Examples of usage

  • The storm dislocated several trees.
  • The earthquake dislocated the entire town.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Context

  • Dislocations commonly occur in joints like shoulders and knees, often due to accidents or sports injuries.
  • Symptoms of a dislocation include intense pain, swelling, and an inability to move the affected joint.
  • Treatment usually involves a medical professional realigning the joint, often followed by rest and rehabilitation.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict dramatic dislocations in action sequences, where characters endure extreme physical challenges.
  • The comical effects of dislocating joints are sometimes exaggerated in cartoons, leading to humorous scenarios.

Science

  • Dislocation is not limited to human anatomy; it can also refer to geological shifts, like tectonic plates moving away from their original positions.
  • In physics, dislocating atoms in a crystalline solid can change the material's properties and is a subject of materials science.

Psychology

  • The concept of dislocation is also metaphorically used to describe feelings of being out of place or disconnected in social or psychological contexts.
  • Therapists might explore emotional dislocation, where individuals feel detached from their surroundings or experiences.

Origin of 'dislocate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'dislocare', where 'dis-' means 'away' and 'locare' means 'to place'.
  • The term first appeared in English during the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century.

The word 'dislocate' originated from the Latin word 'dislocatus', past participle of 'dislocare', which means 'to put out of place'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century, primarily in the medical and anatomical contexts to describe the act of displacing a bone from its normal position. Over time, the usage of 'dislocate' has expanded to describe any object or entity being forced out of its usual place.

See also: dislocation, locatable, located, locating, location, locations, locatively, locator, relocatable, relocate.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,054 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.