displace
displace — verb
1. to force something out of its original position or place, often through physical
to force something out of its original position or place, often through physical pressure, movement, or natural forces.
The earthquake displaced huge rocks along the mountain road, blocking traffic for hours.
displaced + concrete object + natural force subject
Water from the burst pipe displaced the soil beneath the shed, causing it to tilt.
A thick layer of sediment displaced the river, carving a new channel through the valley.
The landslide displaced several large boulders onto the railway tracks near the station.
When the glacier melted, it displaced enough water to reshape the coastline of the bay.
文法句型
displace + object
be displaced + by + noun
用法筆記
Object is usually a physical thing (rock, soil, water, furniture). Subject is often a natural force or mechanical pressure. Frequently used in passive voice with 'by' to show the cause of movement.
常見錯誤
2. to take the place of someone or something, especially when a newer or more effec
to take the place of someone or something, especially when a newer or more effective thing or person pushes the older one out of use or position.
Digital cameras have largely displaced film cameras in consumer photography.
technology displaces older technology
Electric vehicles are gradually displacing petrol-powered cars in urban areas.
The new department head displaced the previous manager after the company restructured.
Online streaming services have displaced traditional television among younger viewers.
Convenience-store sushi has displaced many small lunch stalls in the business district.
文法句型
displace + noun
be displaced + by + noun
用法筆記
Subject is often a newer technology, product, method, or person. The thing being displaced is the older, less efficient, or less popular alternative. Can be used with both concrete objects (products) and abstract ones (methods, practices). Frequently passive.
常見錯誤
3. to force people to leave their homes or native area, usually because of war, nat
to force people to leave their homes or native area, usually because of war, natural disaster, development projects, or environmental change.
The civil war displaced thousands of families from their homes and villages.
war as cause of displacement
Rising sea levels have displaced coastal communities in several Pacific island nations.
The construction of the new dam displaced entire villages that had stood for centuries.
Conflict in the region displaced over a million people last year, aid agencies reported.
Prolonged drought and crop failure displaced farming families across the Sahel region.
文法句型
displace + people/population
be displaced + from + location
用法筆記
Subject is typically a large-scale force (war, disaster, development). The objects are groups of people — families, communities, populations. Commonly followed by 'from + location.' This sense of displace is distinct from 'dismiss from a job' (sense 4) — here the focus is on losing one's home, not one's employment. The related noun 'displaced person' is a formal term used by humanitarian organisations.
常見錯誤
4. to remove someone from a job or position, especially when a change in the organi
to remove someone from a job or position, especially when a change in the organisation or the economy makes their role unnecessary.
The company displaced fifty workers when it moved its factory overseas.
company displaces workers via relocation
Automation has displaced many cashiers and ticket-collectors in the retail sector.
Younger graduates often displace older employees during company restructuring.
The factory closure displaced hundreds of skilled machinists without warning.
After the merger, the new director displaced the entire regional management team.
文法句型
displace + worker/employee
be displaced + from + position
用法筆記
Subject is usually a company, a change in business structure, or a new person in authority. The person displaced is typically an employee or office-holder. This sense overlaps with sense 2 (take the place of) but is narrower — it specifically involves employment and often carries a more negative, impersonal tone. The object is always a person or group of workers, never a technology or product.