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deputize

[ dep-yuh-tahyz ]
/ ˈdɛp yəˌtaɪz /
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verb (used with object), dep·u·tized, dep·u·tiz·ing.
to appoint as deputy.
verb (used without object), dep·u·tized, dep·u·tiz·ing.
to act as a deputy; substitute.
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Also especially British, dep·u·tise .

Origin of deputize

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

OTHER WORDS FROM deputize

dep·u·ti·za·tion, nounde-dep·u·tize, verb (used with object), de-dep·u·tized, de-dep·u·tiz·ing.un·dep·u·tized, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use deputize in a sentence

  • It won't cost much, and I'd rather have those fearless practical men here than all the rubes you could deputise.

    The Daughter of Anderson Crow|George Barr McCutcheon
  • I gather that Mary is anticipating a complete failure on our part to sustain the situation and is prepared to deputise.

  • Joanna carved the turkeys, refusing to deputise either to Martin or to Alce.

    Joanna Godden|Sheila Kaye-Smith
  • It's good of you to drop in and deputise for my Dutch uncle!

British Dictionary definitions for deputize

deputize

deputise

/ (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
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