verb

displace

dihs-PLAYS

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

displaced past tense, displaces singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The flooding _____ thousands of families from the valley.

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

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