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.
Tallahassee Florida Highway Patrol troopers could soon be deputized to perform some of the functions of federal immigration officers under an agreement Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Wednesday with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025 Upon arriving, they will be deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service, Lamont’s office said. Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 16 Jan. 2025 Incoming White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller has also floated a proposal to deputize National Guard soldiers to arrest and deport immigrants living in the country illegally. Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024 His wide-ranging promises range from building massive detention camps to hold immigrants to deputizing the military to assist with deportation. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near deputize

Cite this Entry

“Deputize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deputize. Accessed 3 Feb. 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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