displace

dihs-PLAYS

Displace (verb) means to force people to leave their home or homeland. Example: “The flooding displaced thousands of families from the valley.”

verb

To force people to leave their home or homeland.

"The flooding displaced thousands of families from the valley."

To take the place of something or someone, often by being better suited.

"Digital cameras quickly displaced film cameras in the consumer market."

To move something out of its normal or original position.

"The earthquake displaced huge slabs of rock along the fault line."

How to Use Displace

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo move something out of its usual spot, or to force people out of their home, or to replace something older.

Common pairings

displace workers displaced families displace a rival

Word Forms

displaced past tense, displaces singular

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The flooding _____ thousands of families from the valley.

Etymology

From Middle French desplacer, literally "to remove from place".

Origin: Middle French

Synonyms

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can move fire sack dismiss terminate preempt send away force out give notice give the axe give the sack

Related Words

can could may john move fire behind term

Rhymes for displace

ace face race pace mace lace Jace peace space trace grace place

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “displace” mean?

The word “displace” means to force people to leave their home or homeland. In plain terms, to move something out of its usual spot, or to force people out of their home, or to replace something older.

How do you pronounce “displace”?

“Displace” is pronounced dihs-PLAYS (/dɪsˈpleɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “displace” in a sentence?

Here is “displace” used in a sentence: “The flooding displaced thousands of families from the valley.”

What part of speech is “displace”?

“Displace” is a verb.

Where does the word “displace” come from?

The word “displace” comes from Middle French. From Middle French desplacer, literally "to remove from place".

How many meanings does “displace” have?

“Displace” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to force people to leave their home or homeland.

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