dislocate
C1Formal/Medical
Definition
Meaning
To put something out of its proper place, especially a bone from its joint.
To disrupt the normal arrangement or connection of something, often causing disorder.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used for physical injuries (bones) and abstract disruptions (systems, lives). The adjective form 'dislocated' is common; the noun 'dislocation' is the primary derived form.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations of physical trauma or severe disruption.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in medical contexts universally.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
dislocate [OBJECT]be dislocatedVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated; the verb itself is used metaphorically.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The supply chain disruption dislocated our manufacturing schedule for weeks.
Academic
The war dislocated traditional social structures across the region.
Everyday
He dislocated his shoulder during the rugby match.
Technical
The surgeon needed to reduce the dislocated patella.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The fall dislocated her kneecap.
- The rail strike dislocated travel plans across the country.
American English
- He dislocated his finger catching the basketball.
- The hurricane dislocated thousands of families.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used.
American English
- Not commonly used.
adjective
British English
- He suffered from a dislocated jaw.
- The dislocated machinery caused a factory shutdown.
American English
- She had a dislocated shoulder.
- The dislocated budget process delayed the project.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The football player dislocated his finger.
- A sudden jolt can easily dislocate your shoulder.
- The economic crisis dislocated entire industries, leading to widespread unemployment.
- The policy aimed to help populations dislocated by years of civil conflict.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DIS + LOCATE. Think: to make something lose its LOCATION.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISORDER IS BEING OUT OF PLACE
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'dislocate' meaning 'to relocate/move someone'. It specifically implies forcing *out of* a correct position, often painfully. Not a direct equivalent of 'displace' in all contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dislocate' for simple movement or relocation (e.g., 'The company was dislocated to London').
- Confusing 'dislocate' (verb) with 'dislocation' (noun) in sentence structure.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'dislocate' used LEAST appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A sprain involves overstretching or tearing ligaments. A dislocation means the bone has been forced out of its joint socket. A dislocation is typically more severe.
Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically to describe severe disruption to systems, plans, or lives (e.g., 'The news dislocated her sense of reality').
It is standard in medical and formal contexts. In everyday conversation for injuries, people might say 'put my shoulder out' or 'pop my knee out' instead.
The primary noun form is 'dislocation' (e.g., 'a shoulder dislocation'). 'Dislocator' is extremely rare and not standard.