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depose

English → EnglishformaltechnicalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "depose": To depose someone means to remove them from a position of authority, such as a monarch, dictator, or

What does "depose" mean?

To depose someone means to remove them from a position of authority, such as a monarch, dictator, or leader. The mental image is that of a person being physically or symbolically pushed down from a throne or high seat of power. In a legal context, the term also refers to the act of taking testimony from a witness under oath outside of court. While the political sense implies a sudden or forceful end to a tenure, the legal sense is a routine, methodical process of gathering evidence.

"depose" in conversation

Political History

Did the uprising succeed in the end?

Did the uprising succeed in the end?

Yes, the rebels managed to depose the king within a week.

Yes, the rebels managed to depose the king within a week.

Used here in the sense of removing a ruler from power.

Legal Preparations

We need to depose the key witness before the trial begins.

We need to depose the key witness before the trial begins.

I have scheduled the session for Tuesday morning.

I have scheduled the session for Tuesday morning.

Refers to the legal process of taking sworn testimony.

"depose" in a sentence

  1. The citizens voted to depose the corrupt mayor.

    The citizens voted to depose the corrupt mayor.

  2. After the failed coup, the military moved quickly to depose the prime minister.

    After the failed coup, the military moved quickly to depose the prime minister.

  3. The plaintiff's attorney spent six hours trying to depose the expert witness regarding the company's internal safety protocols.

    The plaintiff's attorney spent six hours trying to depose the expert witness regarding the company's internal safety protocols.

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