dislodge

verb

dis·​lodge (ˌ)dis-ˈläj 

dislodged; dislodging; dislodges

transitive verb

1

: to drive from a position of hiding, defense, or advantage

2

: to force out of a secure or settled position

dislodged the rock with a shovel

intransitive verb

: to leave a place previously occupied

dislodgment

(ˌ)dis-ˈläj-mənt 

noun

or dislodgement

Examples of dislodge in a Sentence

The earthquake dislodged several boulders from the cliff.

He kicked at the stone to dislodge it.

The army has dislodged enemy forces from their stronghold.

Recent Examples on the Web

Once the blockage is dislodged, check the baby’s mouth and remove any visible objects with a finger. —Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 30 Dec. 2024

Case in point: Orcas in the Atlantic have been observed working together to create waves that dislodge seals from ice floes. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

That ends up dislodging the disgusting foreign item in Larry's throat. —Esther Zuckerman, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024

Here’s how to handle them: Try a plunger: A plunger can help dislodge minor blockages. —Earl Foster, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English disloggen, from Anglo-French *desloger, from des- dis- + loger to find lodging for, encamp, from loge shelter — more at lodge

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

dislodge

verb

dis·​lodge (ˈ)dis-ˈläj 

: to force out of a place especially of rest, hiding, or defense