Displace

Definition

Displace refers to the act of forcing something or someone out of its usual position, place, or role, often resulting in relocation or replacement. It can also refer to the removal of something from its original context or function.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪsˈpleɪs/
• Respelling: diss-PLAYS

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪsˈpleɪs/
• Respelling: diss-PLAYS

The pronunciation of "displace" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "displace" comes from the Old French word "desplacer," which means "to move from a position." It is composed of "dis-" meaning "apart" or "away" and "placer," meaning "to place." It entered the English language in the 16th century.

Derivatives

• Displacement (noun)
• Displacing (adjective)
• Displaced (adjective)
• Re-displace (verb)
• Undisplaced (adjective)

Synonyms

• Replace
• Move
• Evict

Antonyms

• Settle
• Install
• Station

Usage

The term "displace" is used in various contexts, including environmental, social, and political discussions, to refer to forced relocation, replacement, or movement. It is often associated with displacement of people, objects, or processes in a variety of fields, from physics to sociology.

Related Terms

• Relocate: To move to a different place or position.
• Evacuate: To remove people from a place of danger to a safer location.
• Supplant: To take the place of something, often by force or strategy.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To move something or someone from its usual place or position: Refers to the physical or metaphorical act of removing or replacing.
  • Example: "The construction of the dam displaced hundreds of families."
• To take the place of something or someone: Describes replacing one thing with another.
  • Example: "Technological advancements have displaced many manual jobs."
• To force someone to leave their home or position: Often used in the context of social or political displacement.
  • Example: "The war displaced thousands of refugees."