proxy

noun

ˈpräk-sē 

plural proxies

1

: the agency, function, or office of a deputy who acts as a substitute for another

2

a

: authority or power to act for another

b

: a document giving such authority

specifically : a power of attorney authorizing a specified person to vote corporate stock

3

: a person authorized to act for another : procurator

proxy adjective

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Proxies and Proxy Servers

Proxy comes from a contracted form of the Middle English word procuracie (meaning “procuration”). A proxy may refer to a person who is authorized to act for another or it may designate the function or authority of serving in another’s stead. In the latter sense, it generally is preceded by the word by (“vote by proxy”).

Proxy has recently taken on meanings in computing, where it is found in such phrases as proxy server, a computer system that facilitates the exchange of data between users on a network.

Synonyms of proxy

• delegate
• representative
• agent
• deputy
• attorney

Examples of proxy in a Sentence

Since I wouldn't be available to vote, I nominated him to act as my proxy.

sent a proxy to the meeting to cast his vote for him

Recent Examples on the Web

The program is also seeking information on how the IRGC transfers funds and materials to its terrorist and militia proxies and partners, as well as individuals or entities involved in financing or facilitating its activities. — September 18, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Then Carl Icahn ran a proxy contest in the middle of all this that ousted the chairman in 2023 and led to CEO Francis deSouza resigning shortly after. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026

Fox on Thursday released its fiscal 2026 proxy filing, disclosing a pay package of $31 million for Murdoch, down from $33 million a year ago. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026

But years on, their ADRs still track gold and chemical prices, not business fundamentals — proxies for commodities, not endorsements of the companies themselves. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English proxi, procucie, contraction of procuracie, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin procuratia, alteration of Latin procuratio procuration

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing proxy

• Munchausen's syndrome by proxy
• Munchausen syndrome by proxy
• proxy marriage

Rhymes for proxy

• boxy
• foxy
• oxy
• alkoxy
• deoxy
• epoxy
• ethoxy
• hydroxy
• methoxy
• peroxy
• phenoxy
• dihydroxy

Kids Definition

proxy

noun

ˈpräk-sē 

plural proxies

1

: authority held by one person to act for another (as in voting)

2

a

: a person holding authority to act for another

b

: a written paper giving a person such authority

proxy adjective

Legal Definition

proxy

noun

ˈpräk-sē 

plural proxies

1

: the act or practice of a person serving as an authorized agent or substitute for another

—used especially in the phrase by proxy

2

a

: authority or power to act for another

b

: a statement or document giving such authorization

specifically : an oral consent or written document (as a power of attorney) given by a stockholder to a specified person or persons to vote corporate stock

3

a

: a person authorized to act or make decisions for another

appointed a health-care proxy

b

: something serving to replace or substitute for another thing

Etymology

Middle English procucie, contraction of procuracie, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin procuratia, alteration of Latin procuratio appointment of another as one's agent