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

Seconds later, the gun is dislodged and pushed out of reach. —Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026

More likely, the IRGC will fight to the end to maintain power and won’t be dislodged without sending ground troops. —Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 6 Mar. 2026

Use your hands to agitate the greens (this will dislodge any stubborn bits of grit or dirt), then drain and spin dry. —Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 5 Mar. 2026

Mullin’s arrival might finally dislodge this standoff. —Philip Elliott, Time, 5 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for dislodge

• hodgepodge
• auge
• hodge
• podge
• fuselage

Kids Definition

dislodge

verb

dis·​lodge (ˈ)dis-ˈläj 

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