outplacement
UK[ˈaʊtpleɪsmənt]US[ˈaʊtpleɪsmənt]
n
a service provided by a company to help employees who have been made redundant to find new jobs.
n
the process or business of providing such a service.
Morpheme Breakdown
out
place
ment
out
out, external
place
position
ment
action or resulting state
Etymology
the word "outplacement" is a modern compound, originating in the mid-20th century within the context of corporate human resources. it is constructed from the english adverb/preposition "out", the noun "place", and the nominalizing suffix "-ment". the literal, morphemic logic is "the action or process of placing someone out," which directly reflects its professional function. this term evolved from the concept of physically relocating someone to the abstract service of transitioning an employee out of one organization and into a new position elsewhere, encapsulating the process in a single, efficient term.
Analysis
Structure: out (out, external) + place (position) + ment (action or resulting state)
- out: from old english 'ūt', meaning "out, outside, external". serves as a prefix indicating outward movement or separation.
- place: from latin 'platea' via old french, meaning "broad street, open space, position". serves as the core root denoting location or position.
- ment: from latin '-mentum', a suffix forming nouns that denote an action, process, or resulting state.
Examples
the firm offered comprehensive outplacement services, including career coaching and resume workshops.
her outplacement was successful, and she secured a new role within three months.
investing in outplacement can improve morale among remaining staff after layoffs.