proxy

play

noun \ˈpräk-sē\

Simple Definition of proxy

: a person who is given the power or authority to do something (such as to vote) for someone else
: power or authority that is given to allow a person to act for someone else

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of proxy

plural

proxies

1 : the agency, function, or office of a deputy who acts as a substitute for another
2 a : authority or power to act for another b : a document giving such authority; specifically : a power of attorney authorizing a specified person to vote corporate stock
3 : a person authorized to act for another : procurator

proxy

adjective

See proxy defined for English-language learners

See proxy defined for kids

Examples of proxy in a sentence

Since I wouldn't be available to vote, I nominated him to act as my proxy.
<sent a proxy to the meeting to cast his vote for him>

Proxies and Proxy Servers

Proxy comes from a contracted form of the Middle English word procuracie (meaning “procuration”). A proxy may refer to a person who is authorized to act for another or it may designate the function or authority of serving in another’s stead. In the latter sense, it generally is preceded by the word by (“vote by proxy”).

Proxy has recently taken on meanings in computing, where it is found in such phrases as proxy server, a computer system that facilitates the exchange of data between users on a network.

Origin and Etymology of proxy

Middle English proxi, procucie, contraction of procuracie, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin procuratia, alteration of Latin procuratio procuration

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

PROXY Defined for Kids

proxy

play

noun \ˈpräk-sē\

Definition of proxy for Students

plural

proxies

1 : authority to act for another or a paper giving such authority
2 : a person with authority to act for another

Law Dictionary

proxy

play

noun \ˈpräk-sē\

Legal Definition of proxy

plural

proxies

1 : the act or practice of a person serving as an authorized agent or substitute for another —used especially in the phrase by proxy
2a : authority or power to act for another b : a statement or document giving such authorization; specifically : an oral consent or written document (as a power of attorney) given by a stockholder to a specified person or persons to vote corporate stock
3a : a person authorized to act or make decisions for another <appointed a health-care proxy> b : something serving to replace or substitute for another thing

Origin and Etymology of proxy

Middle English procucie, contraction of procuracie, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin procuratia, alteration of Latin procuratio appointment of another as one's agent