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

Villa have carried their own high wage bill in recent seasons, dislodging Tottenham from the top six, but that has required them to sell to balance the books and remain compliant with financial rules. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

More than 220 manhole covers along the track needed to be secured to prevent them from becoming dislodged during the race. — Stefan Becket, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

The covers are shut for street races because the supercars create aerodynamic suction capable of lifting and dislodging manhole covers. — Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Rinse Away Beach-Day Buildup After thoroughly shaking out your towels, our experts recommend giving them a quick rinse to dislodge anything else stuck in the fabric. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 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