Dislodge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dislodge

[dɪsˈlɒdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a physical sense

To forcefully remove or knock loose something from its position or place.

Synonyms

dismantle, knock loose, remove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dislodge

Use when something needs to be forced out of a position it is stuck in, typically with some effort.

  • The dentist had to dislodge the food stuck between my teeth.
  • The strong wind managed to dislodge the sign from its post.
remove

A general term suitable for taking something away from a place or position without much force or complexity.

  • Please remove your shoes before entering the house.
  • The mechanic had to remove the engine cover to check for issues.
knock loose

Often used in situations where something is accidentally or intentionally struck, causing it to become loose or fall off.

  • The car's vibration knocked loose the rearview mirror.
  • He accidentally knocked loose the painting from the wall while moving furniture.
dismantle

Applicable when taking apart something that is usually constructed or assembled, often in a systematic manner.

  • The engineers were instructed to dismantle the faulty equipment for inspection.
  • They started to dismantle the old barn piece by piece.

Examples of usage

  • He dislodged the rock that was blocking the path.
  • The impact of the collision dislodged the door from its hinges.
Context #2 | Verb

in a metaphorical sense

To disturb or upset someone or something from a settled or stable state.

Synonyms

disturb, unsettle, upset.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dislodge

Used when you want to describe removing something from a fixed position, often with effort.

  • He tried to dislodge the rock from the ground.
  • The storm dislodged several roof tiles.
disturb

Appropriate for describing the act of interrupting or causing anxiety or discomfort. This word can have a negative connotation.

  • Please do not disturb me while I am working.
  • Loud noises can disturb the residents.
upset

Commonly used to describe causing emotional distress or making someone feel unhappy or uncomfortable. This has a negative connotation.

  • The bad news upset him greatly.
  • His rude comments upset everyone at the meeting.
unsettle

Best used when you want to describe making someone feel anxious, uneasy, or unsure. This word can also carry negative connotations.

  • The sudden changes in the plan unsettled everyone.
  • Her strange behavior unsettled her friends.

Examples of usage

  • The unexpected news dislodged her from her comfort zone.
  • The criticism dislodged his confidence.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In geology, to dislodge a boulder can prevent landslides or rockfalls, illustrating its importance in natural disaster management.
  • Dislodging impurities in medical procedures, such as during surgeries, can be crucial for patient recovery.
  • In ecology, the concept of dislodging is important in studies of how animals impact their environments and food webs.

Psychology

  • Therapeutic techniques often aim to dislodge negative thought patterns to promote mental health and well-being.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) seeks to dislodge ingrained beliefs that may hinder a person's growth or happiness.
  • The process of dislodging old memories can be seen as a way to make space for new experiences in a person's mind.

Cultural References

  • In literature, characters often seek to dislodge their fears, representing personal growth in many coming-of-age stories.
  • Films frequently depict protagonists dislodging an object or a truth that leads to a significant plot twist or revelation.
  • Various cultural rituals symbolize the act of dislodging burdens, such as cleansing ceremonies seen in different societies.

Pop Culture

  • In video games, players might need to dislodge items or enemies to advance to the next level or complete a quest.
  • Songs often feature themes of dislodging pain or sorrow, representing the desire to break free from emotional struggles.
  • Movies with themes of liberation often show characters dislodging themselves from oppressive situations, symbolizing freedom.

Origin of 'dislodge'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the combination of 'dis-', meaning 'remove', and 'lodge', which refers to a place where something is settled.
  • Etymological roots trace back to Old French and Middle English, where 'lodge' originally related to a shelter or dwelling.
  • The prefix 'dis-' stems from Latin, indicating reversal or removal, a common feature in many English words.

The word 'dislodge' originated from the Old French word 'deslogier', which means 'to leave or vacate a place'. The prefix 'dis-' implies removal or separation, while 'lodge' refers to a temporary dwelling. Over time, the term evolved to signify forcibly removing or disturbing something from its place or state.


See also: lodger, lodging.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,302, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.