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

That federal program deputizes local and state law enforcement with certain immigration authorities, which some New York sheriffs want. — Sarah Matusek, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2026

Wilson also said with midterm elections coming up, if passed, local police could be deputized as federal agents at the polls. — CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

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

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