as in to depose
to remove from a position of prominence or power (as a throne)
the movie's director was defrocked for going way over budget
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Recent Examples of defrock
One exception is former cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was defrocked in 2019 after abuse allegations surfaced.
—
Fredrick Kunkle, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2023
Francis originally set out the norms as a response to the decades of cover-up exposed by a Pennsylvania grand jury report and the scandal over then-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was eventually defrocked for abusing adults as well as minors.
—Nicole Winfield, al, 25 Mar. 2023
None of the priests were defrocked.
—Monica Scislowska, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2023
Under Ratzinger’s watch as cardinal and pope, the Vatican authorized fast-track administrative procedures to defrock egregious abusers.
—Nicole Winfield, ajc, 1 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for defrock
Fredrick Kunkle, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2023
Francis originally set out the norms as a response to the decades of cover-up exposed by a Pennsylvania grand jury report and the scandal over then-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was eventually defrocked for abusing adults as well as minors.
—Nicole Winfield, al, 25 Mar. 2023
None of the priests were defrocked.
—Monica Scislowska, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2023
Under Ratzinger’s watch as cardinal and pope, the Vatican authorized fast-track administrative procedures to defrock egregious abusers.
—Nicole Winfield, ajc, 1 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for defrock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defrock
Verb
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In June, Pitt filed court documents attempting to depose Stoli Group’s Alexey Oliynik, claiming the businessman had firsthand knowledge of the sale.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
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Ellis has ordered Bovino be deposed in the case and a preliminary injunction hearing is set for November 5.—
Amanda Musa,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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On the field, his seven tackles, sack and pass breakup helped tilt the game in the Chargers’ favour; off the field, his tribute to his brother showed the depth of his character.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
5 Nov. 2025
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In the box score, Brissett was 21-of-31 for 261 yards with two touchdown passes despite getting sacked five times by the Cowboys.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defrock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defrock. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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