How to Say "to oust" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to oust” is “derrocar” — use 'derrocar' when talking about forcibly removing someone from a position of power, especially a political leader or dictator..
derrocar
/deh-rroh-KAHR//derroˈkar/
Examples
El pueblo se unió para derrocar al dictador.
The people united to overthrow the dictator.
Fue un plan arriesgado para derrocar el gobierno actual.
It was a risky plan to overthrow the current government.
Lograron derrocar al régimen tras meses de protestas.
They managed to oust the regime after months of protests.
The 'QU' Spelling Rule
To keep the 'K' sound, the 'c' changes to 'qu' whenever the ending starts with an 'e'. This happens in the 'I' form of the past (derroqué) and in all forms of the 'wishes and commands' verb list (derroque).
Using the 'Personal A'
When you are overthrowing a specific person, you must use 'a' after the verb. For example: 'Derrocar a un rey' (To overthrow a king).
Derrocar vs. Derrotar
Mistake: “Usar 'derrocar' para hablar de un partido de fútbol.”
Correction: Use 'derrotar' to mean 'to defeat' in a game. 'Derrocar' is specifically for removing someone from power or a high position.
desplazar
des-plah-SAR/desplaˈθaɾ/
Examples
Las máquinas han desplazado a los trabajadores en la fábrica.
Machines have displaced the workers in the factory.
El nuevo producto desplazó a la competencia del mercado.
The new product ousted the competition from the market.
Miles de personas fueron desplazadas por el conflicto.
Thousands of people were displaced by the conflict.
Passive Force
In news reports, you will often see this in the past form (desplazado) to describe people forced to leave their homes.
Derrocar vs. Desplazar
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.