dis·lo·cate / disˈlōkāt; ˈdislōˌkāt/ • v. [tr.] disturb the normal arrangement or position of (something, typically a joint in the body): he dislocated his shoulder in training. ∎  (often be dislocated) disturb the organization of; disrupt: trade was dislocated by a famine. ∎  (often be dislocated) move from its proper place or position: the symbol is dislocated from its political context.

dislocate XVII. prob. back-formation from dislocation (XIV; first in medical sense) — OF. or medL.; see DIS- 1, LOCATE.