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.
DeSantis has repeatedly said the state will deputize National Guard judge advocates to serve as immigration judges in order to expedite the removal of migrants — both from the facility and the country. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 1 July 2025 Noting that immigration judges are executive branch employees and not elected or appointed in the same way as other jurists, DeSantis said the president has the authority to deputize a variety of government employees to take on the task. Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025 According to Brennan, the most troublesome law enforcement officers were 5,000 men deputized by the U.S. marshal. Robert Loerzel, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025 One thing Thursday’s ruling did not touch is whether the administration violated the Posse Comitatus Act by deputizing the military to act as civilian law enforcement — an allegation California leveled in its original complaint but which Breyer effectively tabled last week. Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Deputize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deputize. Accessed 11 Jul. 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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