dislocation
n. C1 Advanced US //dɪˈsɫoʊˈkeɪʃən// UK //dɪsləʊkˈeɪʃən// dis·lo·ca·tion
n. a situation where something is moved from its usual place or a sudden, sharp movement of the earth's surface.
n. the displacement of a body part from its normal position or a sudden movement of the earth's crust caused by tectonic forces.
The earthquake caused a massive dislocation of the land.
The sudden economic changes led to a significant dislocation of the local workforce.
Geologists study the dislocation of rock layers to understand the history of tectonic activity and predict future seismic risks in the region.
From Middle English, from Old French, a borrowing from Medieval Latin dislocātiō, delocatio.