Deposes

/dɪˈpoʊzɪz/ verb

Definition

Removes someone from power or office; in law, forces someone to give testimony under oath (as in a deposition).

Etymology

Third-person singular present of 'depose,' from Latin 'deponere.' In legal contexts, 'depose' took on the meaning of extracting sworn testimony.

Kelly Says

When lawyers 'depose' a witness, they're putting them under oath to answer questions—the word choice connects back to the idea of 'putting down' false claims by forcing someone to tell the truth.

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