dislodge

verb

dis·​lodge (ˌ)dis-ˈläj How to pronounce dislodge (audio)
dislodged; dislodging; dislodges
Synonyms of dislodgenext

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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Easier, maybe, to imagine Blume rejecting the general proposition of an author biography, which seeks to root a subject’s work in their specific experiences, dislodging them from a supposedly neutral or unmarked position. Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026 Easier, maybe, to imagine Blume rejecting the general proposition of an author biography, which seeks to root a subject’s work in their specific experiences, dislodging them from a supposedly neutral or unmarked position. Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2026 Israel has stepped up assassinations of top Iranian officials in recent days, in what the Israel Defense Forces said was a push to undermine command and control in Iran after more than two weeks of devastating airstrikes that have wiped out military infrastructure but not dislodged the regime. Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2026 Mills, who is 78, is trying to dislodge Susan Collins, a spring chicken at 73, in Maine’s Senate race this fall. Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dislodge

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of dislodge was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dislodge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dislodge. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

dislodge

verb
dis·​lodge (ˈ)dis-ˈläj How to pronounce dislodge (audio)
: to force out of a place especially of rest, hiding, or defense

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