disorientation

/dɪˌsɔriənˈteɪʃən/

Other forms: disorientations

Disorientation is a state of being confused or having lost your bearings. It's normal to feel some disorientation when you step off a train in an unfamiliar city.

It's pretty common to experience disorientation, when you temporarily lose your sense of direction or even feel confused about which way is up or down. This can happen in a new school, on a boat in the fog, or on an amusement park ride that spins you upside down. Disorientation comes from the French word s'orienter, which means "to get one's bearings" or "to face east."

Definitions of disorientation

1. noun

   confusion (usually transient) about where you are and how to proceed; uncertainty as to direction
   “his disorientation was the result of inattention”

   types:

   culture shock

   a condition of disorientation affecting someone who is suddenly exposed to an unfamiliar culture or way of life or set of attitudes

   type of:

   confusedness, confusion, disarray, mental confusion, muddiness

   a mental state characterized by a lack of clear and orderly thought and behavior
2. noun

   a wild delusion (especially one induced by a hallucinogenic drug)
   synonyms: freak out

   type of:

   delusion, hallucination

   a mistaken or unfounded opinion or idea