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.
Earlier this week, DeSantis touted that Florida had more state law enforcement agents deputized under 287(g) than any other state in the nation. Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025 Anybody with a badge Other Florida law enforcement agencies – from the local National Guard and the state’s disaster response team to the highway patrol and game wardens – have been deputized to detail the unauthorized migrants. Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 13 May 2025 Trump may further expand manpower by deputizing IRS agents to investigate employers of people working illegally in the country. Suzanne Gamboa, NBC News, 14 Feb. 2025 But with the recent news of universities signing on to 287(g) collaborative agreements with ICE, which will deputize university police to act as immigration agents, TheDream. Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 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 22 May. 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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