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

Example Sentences

Nour says she and her brothers and sisters had to leave because of their family's ties to Saddam Hussein's deposed regime.

From BBC

Canada sensationally deposed Women's Rugby World Cup holders New Zealand, inflicting the Black Ferns' first defeat in the tournament in 11 years to advance to the final.

From BBC

A few days later, an El Paso judge temporarily blocked Paxton from taking legal action against O’Rourke or his organization, and ordered Paxton to be deposed.

From Salon

Maduro has denied the allegations and has accused the US of an "imperialist move" to depose him.

From BBC

First, though, they have to depose holders New Zealand in a blockbuster semi-final on Friday at Ashton Gate.

From BBC

Related Words

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