displace

Displace is a verb that generally means to move something from its place, to replace or supersede something, or to relocate someone or something.

In physics, displacement is a vector quantity that denotes the change in position of an object. It is defined as the straight-line vector from the starting point to the ending point. The magnitude represents the shortest distance between the two positions, and the direction points from start to finish. Displacement differs from distance traveled, which sums all motion along a path and is not necessarily in a single direction.

In mathematics and physics, displacement can be described as the difference between coordinates, often written as r(t2) minus r(t1). This captures the net change in position regardless of the path taken between the two times.

In chemistry, a displacement reaction (single displacement) occurs when a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound. An example is zinc displacing copper from copper(II) sulfate, forming zinc sulfate and copper metal.

In geology, displacement refers to the relative movement along a fault line, measured as slip between adjoining rock masses during an earthquake. It quantifies how far and in what direction the rocks have moved past one another.

In social sciences and humanitarian contexts, displacement describes the forced relocation of people from their homes due to armed conflict, natural disasters, or development projects. This usage emphasizes the human impact and often involves considerations of protection and resettlement.