noun
Uncommon
deposition
dehp-uh-ZIHSH-uhn
Deposition (noun) means the formal removal of someone from a position of power or office. Example: “The deposition of the president shocked the international community.”
noun
1
The formal removal of someone from a position of power or office.
"The deposition of the president shocked the international community."
"The deposition of the king ended the dynasty after centuries of rule."
"Historians describe the deposition of the last emperor as surprisingly sudden."
2
A formal, sworn statement of testimony given outside a courtroom, usually during legal proceedings.
"Her deposition lasted more than six hours."
"The witness gave a deposition in the lawyer's office last week."
"Both sides read the deposition carefully before the trial began."
3
The natural process by which material such as sediment, snow, or frost settles or builds up somewhere.
"Over centuries, the deposition of sediment formed the river delta."
"Wind-driven deposition of sand slowly built the dunes along the coast."
"Frost deposition left a delicate white layer on the window overnight."
How to use deposition
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRemoving someone from power, giving sworn legal testimony, or material gradually settling in one place.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
give a deposition
sediment deposition
the deposition of the king
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Word forms
- Plural
- depositions
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The _____ of the president shocked the international community.
Etymology
From Old French deposicion, from Latin depositio, related to "deposit" and "depose" (whose meanings became historically intertwined).
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for deposition
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for deposition →
Frequently asked questions
What does “deposition” mean?
The word “deposition” means the formal removal of someone from a position of power or office. In plain terms, removing someone from power, giving sworn legal testimony, or material gradually settling in one place.
How do you pronounce “deposition”?
“Deposition” is pronounced dehp-uh-ZIHSH-uhn (/ˌdɛp.əˈzɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “deposition” in a sentence?
Here is “deposition” used in a sentence: “The deposition of the president shocked the international community.”
What is the opposite of “deposition”?
The opposite of “deposition” — its antonyms — are erosion, corrosion and sublimation.
What part of speech is “deposition”?
“Deposition” is a noun.
Where does the word “deposition” come from?
The word “deposition” comes from Latin. From Old French deposicion, from Latin depositio, related to "deposit" and "depose" (whose meanings became historically intertwined).
Is “deposition” a common word?
“Deposition” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “deposition” have?
“Deposition” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the formal removal of someone from a position of power or office.
