Main Entry: dis·place

Pronunciation: \(ˈ)dis-ˈplās\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): dis·placed; dis·plac·ing

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