depose

American  

[dih-pohz] / dɪˈpoʊz /

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.

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verb (used without object)

deposed, deposing

1. to give sworn testimony, especially in writing.

depose British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• deposable adjective
• deposer noun
• undeposable adjective

Etymology

Origin of depose

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

Example Sentences

That changed shortly after Romania’s King Carol II, who ascended to the throne in a coup that deposed his son, personally selected his country’s World Cup roster and sent it on its way.

From Los Angeles Times

Gary died two weeks before he was to be deposed in the Qello suit.

From The Wall Street Journal

In fact, it has become something of a ritual sacrifice for the leader of the House GOP to be unceremoniously deposed by his own members.

From Salon

Only “a single artist” was deposed by the government during 2½ years of investigation and litigation, it said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Jonathan is right, deposed leaders are not usually known to make contact with the outside world while under arrest.

From BBC

Related Words

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