dislodge
C1Neutral to Formal. Common in written reports, journalism, academic texts, and technical descriptions.
Definition
Meaning
To forcefully remove someone or something from a fixed or established position, place, or possession.
To displace or expel, especially something that is firmly or tenaciously fixed, embedded, or established; can also refer to causing someone to lose a position of advantage, power, or authority.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies overcoming resistance or a degree of force (physical or metaphorical). The word carries a nuance of disturbance, often from a place of rest, security, or entitlement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English in military/strategic contexts (e.g., dislodge from a trench). In American English, equally common in political/sports contexts.
Frequency
Similar overall frequency. Slightly higher in British corpora in journalistic use.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] dislodged [Object] from [Location][Subject] was dislodged from [Location]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To dislodge from a perch/pedestal (metaphorical for challenging a superior position).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The new start-up aims to dislodge the market leader with its innovative product.
Academic
The new evidence may dislodge the long-held theory from its dominant position in the field.
Everyday
I couldn't dislodge the cork that was stuck in the bottle.
Technical
The procedure is designed to dislodge the blockage from the arterial wall.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The protestors hoped to dislodge the prime minister.
- A gust of wind dislodged several roof tiles.
American English
- The scandal could dislodge the incumbent from office.
- He used a tool to dislodge the stuck gear.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dog tried to dislodge the ball from under the sofa.
- He managed to dislodge the piece of food from his throat.
- The investigation failed to dislodge the minister from his post.
- Heavy rains dislodged a large boulder, which blocked the road.
- The rebel forces sought to dislodge the government troops from their strategic hilltop position.
- Her groundbreaking research has dislodged several entrenched assumptions in the field of neuroscience.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS (not, away) + LODGE (to settle in a place). To 'un-lodge' or remove from its lodged position.
Conceptual Metaphor
ESTABLISHED POSITION IS A PHYSICAL HOLD; CHANGE IS PHYSICAL DISPLACEMENT. (e.g., dislodging a government, a champion, a belief).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'вывихнуть' (to dislocate, a medical term). The correct general equivalent is 'вытеснить', 'сместить', or 'выбить (из положения)'.
- Do not confuse with 'displace' in humanitarian contexts ('перемещённые лица' = displaced persons). 'Dislodge' is more active and forceful.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dislodge' without 'from' when a source is implied (e.g., 'He dislodged the book' vs. 'He dislodged the book from the shelf').
- Confusing 'dislodge' (active removal) with 'dislocate' (to put a joint out of place).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'dislodge' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically. You can dislodge a belief, a theory from prominence, or a company from its market position.
It is neutral to formal. It's perfectly acceptable in everyday speech, but it's more frequent in written, journalistic, or analytical contexts where the concept of forceful removal is precise.
'Dislodge' specifically implies that the object was firmly fixed, embedded, or established in its place, and its removal required overcoming resistance. 'Remove' is a more general term.
No, there is no direct noun form. Related nouns are 'dislodgement' (rare) or more commonly 'displacement', 'removal', or 'ouster', depending on context.