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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What Trump's immigration policy does Trump's administration last month deputized thousands more federal law enforcement officers to arrest immigrants who are in the country illegally. Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 4 July 2025 Among those receiving clemency are a pair of reality TV stars, a straw donor who gave $900,000 to Trump’s first inaugural committee and a Virginia sheriff sentenced to 10 years for deputizing several businessmen in exchange for cash payments. Jim Mustian, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 Also, Diego is one of a dozen actors that are on the show for the whole run, and they are deputized as much as anybody to make a temple of their character and their storyline. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 13 May 2025 The city of Miami will wait until after a June special election before deciding whether to enter into an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement that would deputize city police officers with immigration enforcement powers. Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deputize

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deputize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deputize. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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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