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

Following the ship’s arrival, members of an armed gang in the Viv Ansanm coalition immediately dislodged themselves from a port along the bay, a source told the Miami Herald. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026

To avoid dislodging lightweight seeds, water seeds and young seedlings with a spray bottle and then transition to a watering can as the seedlings grow. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026

Gentle shaking may work to dislodge snow. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 31 Jan. 2026

The polar vortex, a whirlpool of Arctic air typically perched atop the North Pole, dislodged and descended into the Midwest causing the bitter cold. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 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