deputize
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
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
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Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom
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Zeitoun
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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.
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 hope to follow in her footsteps, and I hereby deputize readers to become ageism stigma busters.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2023
They deputize their drivers, offering referral bonuses for every new person brought on board, and employ recruiters to pursue anyone who has expressed interest.
From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2022
As he approached me he said: "I deputize you to assist me in making the arrest of those stage drivers in the Planters' House."
From Thirty-One Years on the Plains and in the Mountains, Or, the Last Voice from the Plains An Authentic Record of a Life Time of Hunting, Trapping, Scouting and Indian Fighting in the Far West by Drannan, William F.
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.
