Meaning & Definition of word "Dislocate"

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    Dislocate

    /ˌdɪsloʊˈkeɪt/

    verb:

    • 1. to move from the proper place or position; to disrupt the normal function of something.
      • Example: The fall caused him to dislocate his shoulder.
    • 2. to put out of joint.
      • Example: She dislocated her kneecap while playing soccer.
    • 3. to disrupt the normal order or arrangement.
      • Example: The new policy may dislocate the workflow of the entire team.

    Etymology

    Late Middle English: from Latin dislocat- 'displaced', from the verb dislocare, from dis- 'away' + locare 'to place'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    dislocate a joint:

    to pop a joint out of its normal socket.

    dislocate one's life:

    to cause significant disruptions in one's routine or stability.

    Related Words

    dislocation:

    the action of dislocating something.

    locate:

    to find the position of something.

    relocate:

    to move to a new place.

    Slang Meanings of dislocate

    Meaning: to mess up or confuse a situation

    Example Sentence: He totally dislocated the party vibe with his mood.

    Meaning: to cause chaos or disruption in a casual way

    Example Sentence: We really dislocated the schedule when we arrived late.