depute
Americanverb (used with object)
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to appoint as one's substitute, representative, or agent.
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to assign (authority, a function, etc.) to a deputy.
verb
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to appoint as an agent, substitute, or representative
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to assign or transfer (authority, duties, etc) to a deputy; delegate
noun
Other Word Forms
- deputable adjective
- undeputed adjective
Etymology
Origin of depute
1350–1400; Middle English deputen < Anglo-French, Old French deputer to assign < Late Latin dēputāre to allot, Latin: to consider, equivalent to dē- de- + putāre to think
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Advocate depute William Frain Bell KC told the men's trial: "The tax collectors in this case were a group of individuals who never had any intention of parting with the VAT."
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026
The advocate depute asked: "I am asking you as you stand here on oath if you remember were there any grievances on the Edradynate between Brian and David?"
From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026
Advocate depute Adrian Stalker said that shortly before the struggle, Smith was seen in the spirits aisle at the supermarket and a staff member became suspicious that she might be shoplifting.
From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026
Prosecutor, advocate depute Liam Ewing KC, asked Mrs MacKinnon what she had said to her brother.
From BBC • Nov. 14, 2024
This preliminary work he is obliged to depute to subordinates.
From Boating by Woodgate, W. B.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
