depute
Americanverb (used with object)
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to appoint as one's substitute, representative, or agent.
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to assign (authority, a function, etc.) to a deputy.
verb
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to appoint as an agent, substitute, or representative
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to assign or transfer (authority, duties, etc) to a deputy; delegate
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of depute
1350–1400; Middle English deputen < Anglo-French, Old French deputer to assign < Late Latin dēputāre to allot, Latin: to consider, equivalent to dē- de- + putāre to think
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In 2009 she was appointed the principal advocate depute, becoming the first woman to be appointed to this post.
From BBC • May 15, 2026
Advocate depute William Frain Bell KC told the men's trial: "The tax collectors in this case were a group of individuals who never had any intention of parting with the VAT."
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026
Advocate depute Lindsey Dalziel, for the Crown, had previously told the court about the "devastating" loss suffered by Taylor's family.
From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026
The advocate depute said: "Quite sure about that?"
From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026
All that the sturdy Rollo could be prevailed upon to do, however, was to place his hand in that of the king, and to depute one of his followers to do homage for him.
From The Galaxy, May, 1877 Vol. XXIII.—May, 1877.—No. 5. by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
