Meaning & Definition
verb
To remove from the usual or accustomed place.
The construction work will displace many families from their homes.
To take the place of; to supplant.
Digital downloads are beginning to displace physical media in the music industry.
To force (someone or something) to move from its usual location.
The floodwaters began to displace animals from their habitats.
In physics, to remove (a liquid) from a vessel by introducing another liquid.
Adding the new solution will displace the existing liquid in the container.
Etymology
Middle English desplaicen, from Old French despla(IDCER), from Latin displacere.
Common Phrases and Expressions
displace one's fears:
to confront or get rid of one's fears
displace the blame:
to assign blame to someone other than the actual guilty party
Slang Meanings
to kick someone out
He was totally displaced from the party after that fight.
to take over a spot or position
She just displaced him in the lineup.