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.
The fiscal depute said the Crown position was that the number of fastening clips had been insufficient, and wave action on the journey would have been sufficient force to cause them to fail.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
Bain served as an advocate depute in the Crown Office from 2002 to 2011, securing the first murder conviction against serial killer Peter Tobin during that time.
From BBC • May 15, 2026
The advocate depute referred back to the statement she made in May 2024.
From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026
Advocate depute Scott McKenzie told the court that Colville, an early years assistant, had no previous convictions.
From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025
I depute you, if you love me, to guard her welfare—on my behalf and on your own.
From An Engagement of Convenience A Novel by Zangwill, Louis
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.
