depose
C1Formal, legal, political
Definition
Meaning
To remove from a position of power, especially a monarch or ruler, often through force or legal process.
To testify or give evidence under oath, especially in a legal deposition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In political contexts, implies an overthrow; in legal contexts, refers to sworn testimony. The two meanings are etymologically related via the notion of "putting down" – a ruler or words on record.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both meanings are used in both varieties. The legal sense ('to give a deposition') is more common in American legal practice.
Connotations
UK usage slightly more associated with historical contexts (e.g., deposing kings). US usage more readily evokes corporate or legal scenarios (e.g., deposing a CEO, being deposed in court).
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to its use in legal proceedings.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] deposed [Object] (from power/office)[Subject] was deposed to give evidence.The rebels deposed the king.He was deposed for three hours by the defence lawyer.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'depose']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board voted to depose the CEO after the scandal.
Academic
The study examines how military juntas depose democratic governments.
Everyday
It's not a word used in casual conversation. In everyday news: 'The rebels deposed the dictator.'
Technical
The witness will be deposed next Tuesday. (Legal)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The parliament moved to depose the monarch.
- I was required to depose before the inquiry.
- The general was deposed in a bloodless coup.
American English
- The shareholders sought to depose the chairman.
- The attorney deposed the key witness for four hours.
- A military junta deposed the elected government.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form derived directly from 'depose']
American English
- [No standard adverbial form derived directly from 'depose']
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjectival form derived directly from 'depose']
American English
- [No standard adjectival form derived directly from 'depose']
Examples
By CEFR Level
- [Too complex for A2. Use 'remove' instead.]
- The army deposed the president.
- After the scandal, the board voted to depose the company's founder.
- The witness was deposed by the defence counsel in a pre-trial hearing lasting two full days.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DE-throne + POSE (to place) = To remove from a placed position of power.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS A HIGH POSITION. To depose is to forcibly bring someone down from that height.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'decompose' (разлагаться).
- The legal sense 'to depose' is not 'давать показания' in a general sense, but specifically 'давать показания под присягой вне суда' (a deposition).
- Do not use for simple 'firing' or 'dismissing' (уволить).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'depose' with 'dispose'. (Incorrect: *They disposed the king. Correct: They deposed the king.)
- Using it for peaceful retirement. (Incorrect: *He was deposed after 40 years of service. Correct: He retired/stepped down.)
- Using it intransitively. (Incorrect: *The king deposed. Correct: The king was deposed.)
Practice
Quiz
In a legal context, what does it mean to 'depose' someone?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the 'remove from power' meaning: deposition (less common) or deposal. For the 'give testimony' meaning: deposition (common).
No, it's a formal word used primarily in political, historical, or legal contexts. It's not common in everyday conversation.
To impeach is to formally accuse a public official of misconduct, which may lead to a trial for removal. To depose is to actually remove someone from power, which can be through impeachment, coup, revolution, or other means.
Yes, though it's dramatic. It can be used when a CEO or board is forcibly removed, often by shareholders or a rival faction, suggesting a power struggle rather than a peaceful retirement.