depute
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to appoint as one's substitute, representative, or agent.
-
to assign (authority, a function, etc.) to a deputy.
verb
-
to appoint as an agent, substitute, or representative
-
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.
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
Advocate depute Adrian Stalker said that shortly before the struggle, Smith was seen in the spirits aisle at the supermarket and a staff member became suspicious that she might be shoplifting.
From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026
Advocate depute Greg Farrell said the pair had regularly been in touch with each other on Instagram, initially on "good terms" before there was a "falling out" over £50.
From BBC • Mar. 25, 2025
Archibald Johnstoun Procurator for the Kirk, and Clerk to the General Assembly, to adjoyne any to himself, or to depute in these Offices whom he shall think fit.
From The Acts Of The General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland by Church of Scotland. General Assembly
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.
