Deposition
Etymology
From Latin depositio, "a putting down, a laying aside," from deponere, "to put down, lay aside" (de-, "down," + ponere, "to place"). The literal sense is setting something down. In law it came to mean setting testimony down on the record — evidence deposited formally before trial rather than given live in the courtroom.
noun · /dep-uh-ZISH-un/
Sworn testimony taken from a witness out of court and written down for use later in a case.
What it names
The pre-trial session, often in a lawyer’s conference room, where a witness answers questions under oath while a court reporter records every word.
Example
During the deposition, the executive contradicted the account he had given investigators a year earlier.
Related idea
A deposition gathers testimony before trial voluntarily under oath; a subpoena is the order that can compel a reluctant witness to show up and give it.
noun · /dep-uh-ZISH-un/
The laying down of matter — sediment, minerals, or a substance settling out and building up.
What it names
silt dropped by a river, mineral build-up, a gas turning straight to solid
Example
Layers of rock form through the slow deposition of sediment.
Related idea
The opposite of erosion; from Latin “deponere” (to put down), the thread that ties every sense together.
noun · /dep-uh-ZISH-un/
The removal of someone, especially a monarch or high official, from office.
What it names
deposing a ruler
Example
The deposition of the king ended the dynasty.
Related idea
From “depose” — to put someone down from power.