deputize

verb

dep·​u·​tize ˈde-pyə-ˌtīz How to pronounce deputize (audio)
deputized; deputizing

transitive verb

: to appoint as deputy

intransitive verb

: to act as deputy
deputization noun

Examples of deputize in a Sentence

I deputize for the newspaper's editor on the weekends. he deputized a local citizen to take charge of the situation while he went for reinforcements
Recent Examples on the Web Administrators and lawmakers, afraid that local police could not handle the sheer number of student demonstrators, arranged to deputize campus police – who had historically been parking guards and residence hall curfew enforcers – with the authority to make arrests and carry firearms. Lauren Lassabe Shepherd, The Conversation, 26 Apr. 2024 Glenn Hamilton once deputized an entire church congregation in order to flout the governor’s Covid-19 rules. Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News, 18 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deputize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deputize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1736, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of deputize was circa 1736

Dictionary Entries Near deputize

Cite this Entry

“Deputize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deputize. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

deputize

verb
dep·​u·​tize ˈdep-yə-ˌtīz How to pronounce deputize (audio)
deputized; deputizing
1
: to appoint as deputy
2
: to act as deputy

Legal Definition

deputize

verb
dep·​u·​tize ˈde-pyə-ˌtīz How to pronounce deputize (audio)
deputized; deputizing

transitive verb

: to appoint as deputy

intransitive verb

: to act as deputy

More from Merriam-Webster on deputize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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