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.
Lang’s proposals have raised concerns among legal experts, who say deputizing private militias for immigration enforcement could be dangerous. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 That is according to an episode for Funeralcast, a podcast for the mortuary industry, which is being deputized to be part of Alcor’s preservation process. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025 The move allowed the city to deputize its police officers with immigration enforcement powers, although the police chief said in the summer that, for now, just three officers would be selected and trained. Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025 Under a pending agreement with ICE, the Guard's role enforcing immigration laws could expand to providing additional military personnel to be trained by ICE and deputized into assisting with policing immigration. Juan Cordoba, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 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 Oct. 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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