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displacement

dis-PLAYS-munt /dɪsˈpleɪs.mənt/

nounB2GRESATIELTSTOEFL

academicsociologicalpolicy

The forced moving of people from their locality or environment; the removal of something from its place.

In environmental context, refers to involuntary movement caused by climate disasters, toxic pollution, or green gentrification.

The story behind the word. From Old French 'desplacer', built from 'dis-' (expressing removal) and 'place' (an open space or spot). Physics adopted it for water pushed aside by floating objects (Archimedes' principle) before sociologists adopted it for populations pushed off their land.

Word relationships

eviction: Eviction is a specific legal order to leave a dwelling, while displacement includes broader economic or environmental pushing out.
dislodgement: Dislodgement applies to physical objects knocked out of place, whereas displacement commonly applies to populations.

resettlement: Resettlement is the planned, orderly settling of displaced people.
retention: Retention means keeping people or elements in their place.

Commonly confused with

migration: Migration can be voluntary or seasonal, while displacement carries an explicit element of coercion or lack of choice.

Word family

displace (verb): To force out of position.
displaced (adjective): Forced out of home or home territory.

Collocations

forced displacement
climate displacement
community displacement
risk of displacement

Example sentences

"Climate change is becoming a primary driver of internal displacement worldwide." UN High Commissioner for Refugees report
"Residents feared that eco-friendly investments would cause gentrification and community displacement." Urban renewal study

Memory hook

DIS (away) + PLACE (home) = Forced away from your home place. Forced out of your rightful place.

When not to use

Do not confuse with voluntary relocation or holiday travel; displacement implies compulsion or structural pressure.

Fun facts

'Green displacement' or 'green gentrification' describes when park developments raise property values so high that long-time residents are priced out.