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

Some allies of the deposed chief of staff are angry, pointing out that there are other prominent advisers who also recommended Lord Mandelson yet remain in their jobs.

From BBC

No Labour Party leader has ever been deposed while in office.

From The Wall Street Journal

Adding to the growing momentum, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the deposed shah, had urged Iranians to pour onto the streets at 8 p.m., the start of the Iranian weekend.

From The Wall Street Journal

Firefighters are being deposed a month after plaintiffs’ attorneys questioned employees of California State Parks.

From Los Angeles Times

The eldest son of the Shah deposed by the revolution almost half a century ago has been trying to be the leader they lack.

From BBC

Related Words

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