disorientation

Etymology

From dis- +‎ orientation^[1] or perhaps disorientate +‎ -ation.^[1][2]

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /dɪsˌɔːɹɪənˈteɪʃən/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

• (US) IPA^(key): /dɪsˌɔ.ɹi.ɪnˈteɪ.ʃn̩/

  Rhymes: -eɪʃən

Noun

disorientation (usually uncountable, plural disorientations)

1. the loss of one's sense of direction, or of one's position in relationship with the surroundings.
2. a state of confusion with regard to time, place or identity.
   • 2005, Helen Oyeyemi, The Icarus Girl, Bloomsbury, page 50:

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

3. a delusion.

References