displace

dis·place

vt \(ˈ)dis-ˈplās\

dis·placeddis·plac·ing

Definition of DISPLACE

1

a : to remove from the usual or proper place <in heterotopia the gray portions of the cord are displaced so that patches of gray matter are scattered among the bundles of white fibers—R. L. Cecil et al> b : to shift (an emotion or behavior) from a maladaptive or unacceptable object or form of outlet to a more adaptive or acceptable one <displace punishable behavior by directing it towards things that cannot punish—B. F. Skinner>

2

: to set free from chemical combination by taking the place of <zinc displaces the hydrogen of dilute acids>

3

: to subject to percolation