to repress / displace
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to repress
To unconsciously banish an unpleasant memory, thought, or feeling from awareness in order to avoid having to deal with it.
Er versucht, die traumatischen Erlebnisse aus seiner Kindheit zu verdrängen.
He is trying to repress the traumatic experiences from his childhood.
to displace
To physically push, move, or replace someone or something from their place.
Günstigere Importprodukte verdrängen zunehmend die heimischen Waren vom Markt.
Cheaper imported products are increasingly displacing domestic goods from the market.
The verb 'verdrängen' (to repress/displace) is inseparable. The prefix 'ver-' stays firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and is not separated. The past participle is therefore 'verdrängt' (without ge-).
Sie hat diese Erinnerung erfolgreich verdrängt.
She has successfully repressed this memory.
The word consists of the prefix 'ver-' and the verb 'drängen' (to push, to shove). The prefix 'ver-' here has the function of moving something away or making it disappear. 'Verdrängen' (to repress/displace) therefore literally means to push something away from its place.
Der neue Supermarkt verdrängt die kleinen Läden aus der Innenstadt.
The new supermarket is displacing the small shops from the city center.
The meaning depends strongly on the context. If the topic is psychological matters such as feelings, thoughts, or memories, the psychological meaning is intended. If the topic is physical places, markets, or positions, the meaning 'ersetzen' (to replace) or 'wegstoßen' (to push away) is intended.
Er verdrängt den Gedanken an die bevorstehende Prüfung.
He represses the thought of the upcoming exam.
In the psychological sense, 'verdrängen' (to repress) is often used with abstract nouns. Typical combinations are 'Gefühle verdrängen' (to repress feelings), 'ein Problem verdrängen' (to repress/ignore a problem), or 'ein Trauma verdrängen' (to repress a trauma).
Es ist nicht gesund, seine Ängste ständig zu verdrängen.
It is not healthy to constantly repress your fears.
to replace / reimburse
In the market, both words can describe a change. A new product ersetzt an old one when it takes over its function. It verdrängt the old one when the old product loses its previous position because of competition and may disappear from the market.
Das günstigere Modell verdrängt den alten Drucker zunehmend vom Markt.
The cheaper model is increasingly driving the old printer out of the market.
Das neue Modell ersetzt den alten Drucker in vielen Büros.
The new model is replacing the old printer in many offices.
