verb
depose
dih-POHZ
verb
1
To remove someone, especially a ruler or leader, from power.
"The general was deposed in a military coup."
"The king was deposed after years of unrest."
2
To give sworn testimony, or to formally question someone under oath, especially in a legal case.
"The witness was deposed by lawyers from both sides before the trial."
How to Use Depose
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo remove a leader from power, or to question someone formally under oath in a legal setting.
Common pairings
depose a king
depose a witness
deposed dictator
Word Forms
deposed past tense, deposes singular
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Etymology
From Old French deposer, from de- ("down") and poser ("to put, place") — historically confused with the related but separate word "deposit."