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

Dlamini’s paper was closed down by the government following the publication of his article, which exposed how Swazi Mobile had dislodged its rival, the parastatal company, SPTC. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 15 Aug. 2025

With Daniel Brunskill’s signing, Meyer could be dislodged as the No. 3 center. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025

Still, this implies streaks may be caused when a sharp energetic event happens on or near the surface, such as a quake or an impact that dislodges dust that then cascades down slopes. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 10 July 2025

Kaiser consistently said that the particles were harmless, inert material dislodged by a malfunctioning water heater that was not infectious. —Paul Sisson, Mercury News, 10 July 2025

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