depose

[dih-pohz]

verb (used with object)

deposed, deposing 

1. to remove from office or position, especially high office.

   The people deposed the dictator.

2. to testify or affirm under oath, especially in a written statement.

   to depose that it was true.

3. Law.,  to take the deposition of; examine under oath.

   Two lawyers deposed the witness.

verb (used without object)

deposed, deposing 

1. to give sworn testimony, especially in writing.

depose

/ dɪˈpəʊz /

verb

1. (tr) to remove from an office or position, esp one of power or rank

2. law to testify or give (evidence, etc) on oath, esp when taken down in writing; make a deposition

Other Word Forms

• deposable adjective
• deposer noun
• undeposable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of depose¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English deposen, from Old French deposer “to put down,” equivalent to de- de- + poser, from unattested Vulgar Latin posāre, Late Latin pausāre; pose ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of depose¹

C13: from Old French deposer to put away, put down, from Late Latin dēpōnere to depose from office, from Latin: to put aside; see _depone

Related Words

• demote 
• dethrone 
• dismiss 
• impeach 
• overthrow 
• unseat