deputize
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
deputizesimple
-
deputizessimple
-
have deputizedperfect
-
has deputizedperfect
-
am deputizingprogressive
-
are deputizingprogressive
-
is deputizingprogressive
-
have been deputizingperfect progressive
-
has been deputizingperfect progressive
Past
-
deputizedsimple
-
had deputizedperfect
-
was deputizingprogressive
-
were deputizingprogressive
-
had been deputizingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of deputize
Explanation
To deputize is to appoint someone as a substitute, like a police deputy authorizing a civilian to make an arrest. The original meaning refers to when a deputy would give some of their power to non-police officers. When deputized, you took on some of the power of a deputy to help the real deputy. Similarly, deputizing can refer to making anyone a substitute. A teacher can deputize a student by putting them in charge of the class. A boss can deputize an employee by asking them to organize a meeting. Deputizing empowers someone to do a job.
Vocabulary lists containing deputize
March: Book Three
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Zeitoun
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
See Examples For:
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 ● Nov. 7, 2025
At that point, however, Boasberg could still hold them in civil contempt, which can’t be pardoned; he could then impose significant fines and deputize law enforcement to enforce them.
From Slate ● Apr. 16, 2025
I deputize everyone around me — just call me on stuff.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 31, 2022
Server owners can deputize moderators to enforce the rules.
From New York Times ● Dec. 29, 2021
Miss Pierson, I deputize you to gather up the stray sunbeams for me that memory may have a regal crown to wear when I am far away.
From Lily Pearl and The Mistress of Rosedale by Glenwood, Ida
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 ● Dec. 10, 2025
She deputizes Jiminy as the newly born figure’s voice of reason.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2022
The law effectively deputizes ordinary citizens — including those from outside Texas — allowing them to sue those who violate the law.
From New York Times ● Dec. 10, 2021
Assistant Dino Toppmöller deputizes on the touchline and said Nagelsmann is closely involved with the tactics.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 23, 2021
This leader has an assistant or lieutenant to whom he deputizes great power.
From Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation by Gordon, S. D. (Samuel Dickey)
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 ● Mar. 2, 2026
The Federal Aviation Administration, which for decades has deputized Boeing employees to sign off on some safety matters on the agency’s behalf, has forced it to limit production.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 16, 2024
The defense has rarely, if ever, directly countered any of the accusations from the prosecution—i.e., that SBF personally deputized his lieutenants to do various crimes like defrauding customers and investors.
From Slate ● Oct. 25, 2023
After “The Last Waltz,” he deputized Robertson to be his music consultant and soundtrack supervisor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2023
They were thugs and riffraff, deputized at the whim of industrial corporations in the valley.
From "Fannie Never Flinched" by Mary Cronk Farrell
Houser went on to explain that there are a few different permutations of deputization the administration could pursue, including deputizing National Guard troops or local law enforcement before they start using private contractors.
From Salon ● Jul. 26, 2025
Steph Catley, deputizing for Kerr as Matildas captain, summed up the loss to Nigeria succinctly: “This was a massive opportunity for us that we’ve obviously let slide.”
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 27, 2023
As she recovered from a fall, my fiercely independent mother-in-law apologized to her children for deputizing them with the task of cleaning out the family home.
From New York Times ● Apr. 9, 2022
For years, the FAA has relied on Boeing employees to certify the airworthiness of planes by deputizing some company employees to act on behalf of the agency.
From Washington Times ● Feb. 15, 2022
Now and then he made half a sovereign extra by deputizing on the organ.
From The Matador of the Five Towns and Other Stories by Bennett, Arnold
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
