1. removes or strips away clothing, covering, or outer layers from someone or something
Usage: formal or literary
2. deprives someone of power, authority, rights, or property
Usage: formal or legal

Examples

• The ceremony devests the old leader of all official titles.
• She devests herself of her winter coat as spring arrives.
• The court devests the corporation of its operating license.
• He devests the statue of its protective covering.
• The new law devests citizens of certain privacy rights.
• The actor devests his character of all pretense in the final scene.