depose

Everyday

1. To remove a ruler or leader from power, often by force. tree →
2. (law) To give evidence under oath, especially in a written statement outside court; or to question someone in this way. tree →

In the lessons

In history and Bible lessons: kings and queens were deposed; in the Bible, God «has brought down rulers from their thrones» (from Mary's song). In news: a president can be deposed by a revolution or a vote. Phrases: «depose a king», «the deposed leader», «be deposed from power».

Examples

• The people deposed the cruel king. tree →
• The deposed queen fled to another country. tree →
• The general tried to depose the president. tree →
• In the story, the wicked uncle deposed the rightful prince. tree →
• The lawyer deposed the witness in his office. tree →
• Rulers who ignore the people risk being deposed. tree →
• Ever since Akela had been deposed, the Pack had been without a leader, hunting and fighting at their own pleasure. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Noun: «deposition» (removing a ruler; or a sworn statement). Do not confuse with «dispose» (to get rid of something) or «deposit» (to put down; money in a bank). Formal word.

In Jewish tradition

It means to remove a king from his throne.

Interpretation. The texts show that kings rule only as long as God allows. Nebuchadnezzar's loss of his throne is read as a lesson against pride.

Examples

• And the king of Egypt deposed him at Jerusalem, and fined the land a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. (Writings 2CH.36.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him; (Writings DAN.5.20, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb. Noun: «deposition» (removing a ruler; or a sworn statement). Do not confuse with «dispose» (to get rid of something) or «deposit» (to put down; money in a bank). Formal word.