deposition
UK: ˌdɛpəˈzɪʃən | US: ˌdɛpəˈzɪʃən
n. the act of depositing or laying down material (e.g., sediment)
n. the process of giving sworn testimony outside of court
n. the removal of a person from power or office
The word "deposition" originates from Latin depositio, combining de- (down) and ponere (to place). The root posit evolved from ponere, reflecting the idea of "placing down" material or testimony. Over time, it expanded to legal contexts (testimony "placed" on record) and political contexts (removal from office, metaphorically "placing down" authority).
The river's slow current led to the deposition of silt along its banks.
The witness gave a deposition before the trial began.
The king's deposition sparked a civil war.
Geologists study rock layers formed by deposition over millennia.
Her deposition was recorded and used as evidence in court.