deposit

[ dih-poz-it ]

verb (used with object)

1. to place for safekeeping or in trust, especially in a bank account:

   He deposited his paycheck every Friday.

   Synonyms: store, save, bank

2. to give as security or in part payment.
3. to deliver and leave (an item):

   Please deposit your returned books with the librarian.

4. to insert (a coin) in a coin-operated device:

   Deposit a quarter and push the button.

5. to put, place, or set down, especially carefully or exactly:

   She deposited the baby in the crib.

6. to lay or throw down by a natural process; precipitate:

   The river deposited soil at its mouth.

verb (used without object)

1. to be placed, inserted, precipitated, left for safekeeping, given as security or in partial payment, etc.

noun

1. money placed in a bank account or an instance of placing money in a bank account.
2. anything given as security or in part payment:

   The boy returned the bottle and got his five-cent deposit back.

   They made a deposit on the house and signed a ten-year mortgage.

3. anything laid away or entrusted to another for safekeeping:

   A large deposit of jewels was stolen from the hotel safe.

4. a place for safekeeping; depository.
5. something precipitated, delivered and left, or thrown down, as by a natural process:

   a deposit of soil.

6. the natural sediment of wine in a bottle.
7. a coating of metal deposited on something, usually by an electric current.
8. a natural accumulation or occurrence, especially of oil or ore:

   a mountain range with many rich deposits of gold.

   Synonyms: pocket, vein, lode

deposit

/ dɪˈpɒzɪt /

verb

1. to put or set down, esp carefully or in a proper place; place
2. to entrust for safekeeping; consign
3. to place (money) in a bank or similar institution in order to earn interest or for safekeeping
4. to give (money) in part payment or as security
5. to lay down naturally; cause to settle

   the river deposits silt

noun

1. 1. an instance of entrusting money or valuables to a bank or similar institution
   2. the money or valuables so entrusted
2. money given in part payment or as security, as when goods are bought on hire-purchase See also down payment
3. a consideration, esp money, given temporarily as security against loss of or damage to something borrowed or hired
4. an accumulation of sediments, mineral ores, coal, etc
5. any deposited material, such as a sediment or a precipitate that has settled out of solution
6. a coating produced on a surface, esp a layer of metal formed by electrolysis
7. a depository or storehouse
8. on deposit
   payable as the first instalment, as when buying on hire-purchase

deposit

/ dĭ-pŏz′ĭt /

1. An accumulation or layer of solid material, either consolidated or unconsolidated, left or laid down by a natural process. Deposits include sediments left by water, wind, ice, gravity, volcanic activity, or other agents. A layer of coal formed over many years through the decomposition of plant material is also a deposit.

Other Words From

• prede·posit noun verb
• rede·posit verb noun
• subde·posit noun
• super·de·posit noun
• unde·posit·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deposit¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin dēpositus “laid down,” past participle of dēpōnere; depone

Word History and Origins

Origin of deposit¹

C17: from Medieval Latin dēpositāre, from Latin dēpositus put down

Example Sentences

This was material that was buried for safekeeping, almost like a safety deposit box that was never claimed.

From The Daily Beast

Copyright renewed 1969 by August Mencken and Mercantile Safe Deposit Trust Co.

From The Daily Beast

It is likely the mother's body, which means that the currents will probably deposit the children somewhere nearby.

From The Daily Beast

We will not sit on the sidelines and deposit our fate in the hands of others.

From The Daily Beast

Or, “Only to the end of this month: deposit a separatist and get up to 12 percent interest.”

From The Daily Beast

It separates into three layers upon standing—a brown deposit, a clear fluid, and a frothy layer.

From Project Gutenberg

Factors which favor an early deposit are high acidity, diminished urinary pigments, and excessive excretion of uric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

A savings bank is not a true bank of deposit, providing circulating credit.

From Project Gutenberg

The troops to be prisoners of war and to deposit their arms at a place to be appointed by General Merritt.

From Project Gutenberg

Suppose a person presents a check and the maker's deposit is not enough to pay the full amount, what can be done?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• security