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.
States partner with the federal government States such as Florida have been at the forefront of the state effort to get state police and local officers deputized to help ICE. Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2025 Sparked by a false accusation of assault, white mobs — many deputized and armed by city officials — descended upon the Greenwood District. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 10 Aug. 2025 Tracy, a veteran Republican lawmaker from Quincy, said she was deputized by Paxton as an uncompensated assistant Texas attorney general. Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025 Armed with this doctrine, the federal government has spent years building a surveillance operation that effectively deputizes financial companies—not just banks—as law enforcement investigators. Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 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 8 Sep. 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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