Displaced: meaning, definitions and examples

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displaced

 

[ dɪsˈpleɪst ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

social context

Displaced refers to individuals or groups who have been forced to leave their homes or places of residence, often due to conflict, natural disasters, or persecution. This term is commonly used in discussions about refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Displacement can lead to significant social and economic challenges, including loss of property, lack of access to basic services, and psychological trauma. Additionally, displaced individuals may struggle to integrate into new communities, facing hardships such as stigma and resource scarcity.

Synonyms

evacuated, forcibly removed, migrant, refugee

Examples of usage

  • Displaced families are often in desperate need of support.
  • The war left thousands of displaced individuals without shelter.
  • Aid organizations work tirelessly to assist displaced persons.
  • Displaced communities face numerous challenges in their new environments.
Context #2 | Verb

general action

To displace means to move something from its usual or proper place. This can refer to physical objects being moved or replaced, or to conditions where people or animals are compelled to leave their original locations. Displacement can occur in various scenarios, such as construction, natural phenomena, or changes in social dynamics. When something is displaced, it is often replaced or temporarily removed in order to accommodate new elements.

Synonyms

dislodge, move, remove, shift

Examples of usage

  • The construction will displace several families.
  • Heavy rainfall displaced soil and debris on the road.
  • The new policy will displace existing practices.
  • Wildlife can be displaced by urban development.

Translations

Translations of the word "displaced" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deslocado

🇮🇳 अवशेषित

🇩🇪 vertrieben

🇮🇩 terpindah

🇺🇦 вимушений

🇵🇱 przesiedlony

🇯🇵 移動された

🇫🇷 déplacé

🇪🇸 desplazado

🇹🇷 yerinden edilmiş

🇰🇷 이주된

🇸🇦 مُهجّر

🇨🇿 přesídlený

🇸🇰 presídlený

🇨🇳 被迫迁移的

🇸🇮 premaknjen

🇮🇸 fært

🇰🇿 көшірілген

🇬🇪 გადმოიხედა

🇦🇿 köçkün

🇲🇽 desplazado

Etymology

The word 'displaced' originates from the prefix 'dis-', which indicates removal or negation, combined with the root word 'place', derived from Old French 'placier', meaning to put or settle. The term has been used in English since the early 15th century, primarily in contexts relating to physical location or position. Over time, its usage has expanded, particularly in the 20th century, with growing awareness of social issues resulting from war, political upheaval, or natural disasters. The concept of displacement has become increasingly relevant in discussions about human rights and migration, as global crises have forced millions to leave their homes. As a result, the word 'displaced' has gained prominence as a key term in humanitarian discourse, reflecting both the challenges faced by individuals and populations and their experiences of uprooting and loss.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,154 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.