deputize

verb

dep·​u·​tize ˈde-pyə-ˌtīz 

deputized; deputizing

transitive verb

: to appoint as deputy

intransitive verb

: to act as deputy

deputization

ˌde-pyə-tə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Synonyms of deputize

• appoint
• delegate

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

The memo lays out a specific path to deputize federalized National Guard members as immigration enforcement officers — something many members of the administration, like Stephen Miller, have long stated as a goal. — Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026

On one side stand the powerful, deputized by the law to harass poor villagers in pursuit of a Robin Hood figure. — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2026

Leaders of Florida International University signed an agreement to deputize its school police as immigration agents. — Teo Armus, Washington Post, 19 Sep. 2026

More than 100 Cobb County officers were deputized to continue patrolling Mableton and responding to 911 calls while officials work toward a long-term solution. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1736, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for deputize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

deputize

verb

dep·​u·​tize ˈdep-yə-ˌtīz 

deputized; deputizing

1

: to appoint as deputy

2

: to act as deputy

Legal Definition

deputize

verb

dep·​u·​tize ˈde-pyə-ˌtīz 

deputized; deputizing

transitive verb

: to appoint as deputy

intransitive verb

: to act as deputy