depute
Americanverb (used with object)
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to appoint as one's substitute, representative, or agent.
-
to assign (authority, a function, etc.) to a deputy.
verb
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to appoint as an agent, substitute, or representative
-
to assign or transfer (authority, duties, etc) to a deputy; delegate
noun
Other Word Forms
- deputable adjective
- undeputed adjective
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.
The advocate depute asked: "I am asking you as you stand here on oath if you remember were there any grievances on the Edradynate between Brian and David?"
From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026
The advocate depute said: "Quite sure about that?"
From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026
Advocate depute Alan Cameron KC told the hearing a list of witnesses and documents had been lodged which included a draft joint agreement of evidence.
From BBC • Sep. 22, 2025
Fiscal depute Kirsty Martin, prosecuting, told the court a woman found a recording device under her bed last year.
From BBC • Sep. 2, 2024
"If you would depute me to make it, Judge, such an act on your part would be entirely justified by the peculiar relations in which you stand to Fr�ulein Anna Pollenz."
From The Lonely House by Streckfuss, Adolph
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.
