Disorientation

//dɪsˌɔ.ɹi.ɪnˈteɪ.ʃn̩// noun

noun ·Moderate ·High school level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    the loss of one's sense of direction, or of one's position in relationship with the surroundings. uncountable, usually
  2. 2
    confusion (usually transient) about where you are and how to proceed; uncertainty as to direction wordnet
  3. 3
    a state of confusion with regard to time, place or identity. uncountable, usually

    "For the first time since arriving in Nigeria, she felt a gaping disorientation; for a split second she couldnʼt even remember where she was."

  4. 4
    a wild delusion (especially one induced by a hallucinogenic drug) wordnet
  5. 5
    a delusion. uncountable, usually

Synonyms

All synonyms
aberrationabnormalityaccommodationadaptationadjustmentagnosia

Example

More examples

"If you experience any of the following symptoms while playing a video game - dizziness, altered vision, eye or muscle twitches, loss of awareness, disorientation, any involuntary movement, or convulsions - immediately discontinue use and consult your physician before resuming play."

Etymology

From dis- + orientation or perhaps disorientate + -ation.

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.