depose
depose Lexical Profile
depose Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To remove a monarch, leader, or high official from office suddenly and forcefully.
"The coalition voted to depose the prime minister after months of constitutional crisis."
American To examine or question a witness or party under oath in a pre-trial deposition (in law).
"The defense attorneys plan to depose the company's chief executive officer next Tuesday."
To testify or give sworn evidence, especially in a written statement or out-of-court legal proceeding.
"The witness deposed that he had reviewed the financial records prior to the audit."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'depose' (to remove from high office or take sworn legal testimony) with 'dispose' (to get rid of or incline toward).
• Rhymes for depose
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'deposer', formed from the prefix 'de-' (down) and 'poser' (to put or place), influenced by Latin 'deponere' (to lay down or set aside).