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.
City and state law enforcement have signed what are known as 287(g) agreements with ICE, which allow nonfederal police to be deputized to work with ICE and carry out federal immigration enforcement. Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025 Black people in America have always had to contend with these lines of demarcation, reinforced and maintained by white men, and those deputized by them—with guns. Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025 Whitmer, who remained in communication with the budget process while overseas, deputized State Budget Director Jen Flood to get into the details of budget negotiations in her absence, Anthony said. Paul Egan, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025 This president is not going to come in and deputize our police department.' ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson took a defiant stance over the weekend against President Donald Trump’s promise to deploy the National Guard to the nation's third-largest city. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 Sep. 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 29 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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