Displace Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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displace
[dษชsหpleษชs ]
Definitions
in physics
To move something from its usual position.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| displace |
Use when talking about forcefully making someone or something leave their usual place, often due to conflict or disaster.
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| move |
Use when talking about changing the position or location of something or someone, in the most general sense.
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| relocate |
Use when referring to moving to a new place to live or work, often implying a long-term or permanent change.
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| shift |
Use when talking about a slight or gradual change in position, direction, or state.
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Examples of usage
- The earthquake displaced thousands of people from their homes.
- The force of the impact displaced the car from the road.
in a social context
To force someone to leave their home or job.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| displace |
Used when referring to people or objects that are moved from their usual position or location, often due to external forces such as natural disasters, conflicts or development projects.
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| evict |
Primarily used in legal or formal contexts to describe the act of forcefully removing someone from a property, usually due to nonpayment of rent or violation of rental agreements. It carries a negative connotation.
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| uproot |
Used metaphorically to describe the process of moving someone from their familiar or traditional environment, often causing significant emotional or social disruption.
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| expel |
Used in formal or institutional settings to describe the act of officially ejecting someone from a place, organization, or country. It can imply a form of punishment. It carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The construction of the new highway displaced many families from the neighborhood.
- The company's downsizing policy displaced a number of employees.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Impact
- Displacement is a common theme in many stories, showing characters who lose their homes, reflecting historical events like wars or natural disasters.
- The concept is pivotal in discussions around refugees, highlighting the human cost of political conflicts.
- Art and literature often explore the emotional impact of displacing people, emphasizing themes of loss and adaptation.
Science
- In physics, 'displacement' refers to the shortest distance from the starting point to the end point, ignoring the path taken.
- Environmental science uses the term to discuss species displacing each other due to climate change, affecting biodiversity.
- In psychology, 'displacement' can refer to coping mechanisms where emotions are redirected from a source to a less threatening target.
Psychology
- Displacement as a defense mechanism involves channeling emotions toward a different target, like getting angry at a partner instead of a boss.
- Children often exhibit this behavior, like kicking a toy when theyโre upset, showing that feelings can be directed elsewhere.
- Understanding displacement helps to identify underlying emotions and navigate complex feelings.
Literature
- Many authors depict dislocation as a metaphor for personal struggles; characters may feel out of place in their own lives.
- Novels like 'The Grapes of Wrath' explore the displacement of families during the Great Depression in America.
- Writers use displacement to critique societal issues, examining how characters adapt or resist changes in their environment.
Origin of 'displace'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'displacare', meaning to remove from its place.
- In English, 'displace' started being used around the late 14th century, originally referring to moving someone from their home.
- The prefix 'dis-' means 'away' or 'apart', giving the sense of moving something away.
The word 'displace' originated from the Latin word 'displacere', which means 'to displease'. Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to moving something from its usual position or forcing someone to leave a place. The term is commonly used in physics and social contexts to describe the act of displacement.
See also: anyplace, displacement, everyplace, misplace, misplacement, misplacing, place, placed, placeholders, placement, placements, places, placing, placings, replace, someplace.