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

Some ceiling tiles dislodged, an indication perhaps of some rain damage. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2026

Maron explained that storms can dislodge baby birds from their nests, sweep young animals out of tree hollows and even flood ground nests used by cottontails and skunks. —Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2026

The ascent itself is risky — individuals can be dislodged by fast-moving water or struggle to navigate complex features such as overhangs, sometimes requiring inverted positioning. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026

Individuals can be dislodged by fast-moving water or struggle to navigate complex features such as overhangs, sometimes requiring inverted positioning. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 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