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
1
To force people to leave their home or homeland.
"The flooding displaced thousands of families from the valley."
2
To take the place of something or someone, often by being better suited.
"Digital cameras quickly displaced film cameras in the consumer market."
3
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- displaces
- Past tense
- displaced
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The flooding _____ thousands of families from the valley.
Etymology
From Middle French desplacer, literally "to remove from place".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for displace
See all rhymes for displace →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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