deputize

American  

[dep-yuh-tahyz] / ˈdɛp yəˌtaɪz /

especially British, deputise

verb (used with object)

deputized, deputizing

1. to appoint as deputy.

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verb (used without object)

deputized, deputizing

1. to act as a deputy; substitute.

deputize British  

/ ˈdɛpjʊˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to appoint or act as deputy

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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

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.

Example Sentences

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

Do we deputize our law clerks as historians?

From Slate • May 14, 2024

The pangrams from yesterday’s Spelling Bee were deputize and deputized.

From New York Times • Mar. 16, 2023

I hope to follow in her footsteps, and I hereby deputize readers to become ageism stigma busters.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2023

Now he merely waved his hand to deputize her.

From The Frontiersmen by Murfree, Mary Noailles