Synonyms

deputize

American

[dep-yuh-tahyz] / ˈdɛp yəˌtaɪz /

especially British, deputise

verb (used with object)

deputized, deputizing

to appoint as deputy.

verb (used without object)

deputized, deputizing

to act as a deputy; substitute.

deputize British

/ ˈdɛpjʊˌtaɪz /

verb

to appoint or act as deputy

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

de-deputize verb (used with object)
deputization noun
undeputized adjective

Etymology

Origin of deputize

First recorded in 1720–30; deput(y) + -ize

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.

While at the CDC, O’Neill was often absent, those officials said, and he deputized Beyda to run much of the agency’s day-to-day operations for him, people familiar with the matter said.

From The Wall Street Journal

A new group deputized to police player pay, the College Sports Commission, isn’t fully operational.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is a deputized state law enforcement agency of nearly 80 individuals tasked with preventing theft by checking that brands match their registered owners.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Bank Secrecy Act, enacted in 1970, essentially deputizes banks to act as the first line of defense against money laundering.

From The Wall Street Journal

He remains eighth in the line of succession and could, theoretically, be one of the royal clan called to deputize for the monarch if he fell seriously sick.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023