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Deputize: meaning, definitions and examples

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deputize

 

[ ˈdɛp.jʊ.taɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

official capacity

To deputize means to appoint someone as a deputy, giving them the authority to act on behalf of someone else, usually in an official capacity. This term is often used in legal, law enforcement, or organizational contexts.

Synonyms

appoint, delegate, nominate

Examples of usage

  • The sheriff decided to deputize several local citizens.
  • The manager can deputize an employee to make decisions in her absence.
  • The mayor tended to deputize various individuals for special tasks.
Context #2 | Verb

temporary role

In a more informal context, to deputize can mean to temporarily assign someone to fulfill the duties of another. This allows for flexibility in operations.

Synonyms

assign, designate, temporarily appoint

Examples of usage

  • During the meeting, he was deputized to take notes.
  • If I can’t attend, I will deputize you to represent me.
  • She was deputized to handle customer complaints for the day.

Translations

Translations of the word "deputize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 delegar

🇮🇳 प्रतिनिधि बनाना

🇩🇪 ernennen

🇮🇩 menunjuk

🇺🇦 призначити

🇵🇱 delegować

🇯🇵 代理人を任命する

🇫🇷 déléguer

🇪🇸 delegar

🇹🇷 vekil tayin etmek

🇰🇷 대리로 임명하다

🇸🇦 تعيين نائب

🇨🇿 jmenovat

🇸🇰 menovať

🇨🇳 委任

🇸🇮 imenovati

🇮🇸 tilnefna

🇰🇿 тағайындау

🇬🇪 წარმომადგენლად დანიშვნა

🇦🇿 təyin etmək

🇲🇽 delegar

Etymology

The word 'deputize' originates from the Middle French 'députer', which is derived from the Old French verb 'deputer', meaning 'to appoint' or 'to assign'. The term carries the connotation of authorizing someone to act on behalf of another person, particularly in matters requiring authority or responsibility. Its roots can be traced back to the Latin 'deputare', which means to cut off or to allot, combining 'de-' (down, away) and 'putare' (to prune, settle). This reflects the idea of assigning or allotting tasks and duties to others, which has been pivotal in various fields such as governance, law enforcement, and organizational management. Over time, 'deputize' has evolved to encompass both formal and informal delegation of duties, making it a versatile term in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,940, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.