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displacement

dis-PLAYS-munt /dɪsˈpleɪs.mənt/

nounC1IELTSTOEFLGRE

formalacademic

The forced movement of people from their home or region, often due to war, natural disasters, or environmental changes.

Focuses on the disruptive state of being ousted from one's customary place or home.

The story behind the word. Formed in French from the prefix 'des-' (expressing removal) and 'place' (a open space or site). It entered English in the 16th century referring to removing objects or officers from positions, expanding in modern times to describe forced human movement.

Word relationships

dislodgement: 'Dislodgement' emphasizes the physical removal from a fixed spot, whereas 'displacement' refers to broader socio-spatial disruption.
eviction: 'Eviction' is a legal action removing tenants from property, while 'displacement' encompasses humanitarian crisis moves.

resettlement: 'Resettlement' is the process of establishing new permanent homes after being displaced.
stabilization: 'Stabilization' implies maintaining population in place securely.

Commonly confused with

migration: Migration can be voluntary or seasonal; displacement implies forced removal due to adverse circumstances.

Word family

displace (verb): To compel someone to leave their home or habitual place.
displaced (adjective): Lacking a home or displaced from one's usual territory.

Collocations

population displacement
internal displacement
cause displacement
mass displacement

Example sentences

"The sudden overflow of the dam caused the forced displacement of more than fifty thousand villagers across the valley." Global humanitarian report

Memory hook

DIS- (away) + PLACE-ment = losing your proper PLACE. Pushed away from your place.

When not to use

Avoid using when someone moves voluntarily for a job promotion; 'relocation' fits voluntary moves much better.

Fun facts

In physics, 'displacement' measures how far an object has moved from its origin, mirroring the sociological definition of moved people.