To pull up by the roots; to uproot or remove someone from their homeland, community, or cultural context.
From Latin 'de-' (away) + 'radix' (root). The word has been used in English since at least the 16th century, initially in botanical contexts before expanding to describe forced displacement of people.
Deracinate captures the deep trauma of exile and diaspora—not just moving places, but losing your roots, community, and sense of belonging all at once. Writers often use it when discussing colonialism and forced migration.
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