uprooted
UK: ʌpˈruːtɪd | US: ʌpˈruːtɪd
vt. 1. To pull (a plant, tree, etc.) out of the ground by its roots.
vt. 2. To remove or displace someone or something forcefully from their established environment.
adj. 3. (Of a person) feeling disconnected from one’s home, culture, or traditions.
The word "uprooted" combines "up" (Old English up, meaning "upward") and "root" (Old English rōt, from Proto-Germanic wrōts, meaning "plant base"). The suffix "-ed" marks the past participle form. Originally literal (removing plants), it evolved metaphorically to describe displacement or cultural detachment. The logic mirrors physical removal (roots → stability) applied to human experiences.
The storm uprooted dozens of ancient trees in the park.
War uprooted thousands of families from their homeland.
She felt uprooted after moving to a foreign country alone.
The construction project uprooted a thriving ecosystem.
His career change left him feeling uprooted but hopeful.