deposed

Deposed is the past participle of the verb depose. It most commonly describes a person who has been removed from a position of power or authority, often by political or legal means. A deposed ruler or official has been stripped of title and governing power and may be exiled, imprisoned, or barred from future office. Deposition can occur in monarchies, republics, and other forms of government, and the term often implies a formal or recognized transfer of power.

Legal sense: The verb depose also means to testify under oath. In legal proceedings, a deposition is sworn, out-of-court testimony used to gather evidence. The person who testifies is called a deponent or witness. In common usage, the adjective deposed is primarily used to describe someone who has been removed from office; the act of testifying is typically described by saying the witness gave a deposition.

Etymology and usage: The term derives from Latin deponere, meaning to lay down or put down. In historical contexts, rulers may be deposed through revolution, coup d'état, impeachment, or constitutional change. In modern governance and international law, deposition underscores the formal or official nature of the removal, while in prosecutorial settings, deposition refers to the sworn testimony collected outside of court.