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.
Trump in turn deputized Musk to lead a sweeping effort to slash government spending and reshape the federal bureaucracy before the mercurial billionaire stepped back from that role last week. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 6 June 2025 Another item that could go before the commission on June 12 is an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement that would deputize city police officers with immigration enforcement powers. Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025 At least 625 officers nationwide are now deputized as immigration enforcement agents after receiving training from ICE. Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 13 May 2025 The Trump administration has asked the Department of Treasury to deputize Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents to help with deporting undocumented immigrants, multiple outlets reported. Sareen Habeshian, Axios, 10 Feb. 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 16 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!