deputize
verb
dep·u·tize
ˈde-pyə-ˌtīz 
deputized; deputizing
: to appoint as deputy
: to act as deputy
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
Florida Highway Patrol, which is deputized to do immigration enforcement, conducting an arrest while refusing to say why, violently arresting a family member for daring to ask why the arrest is happening, and threatening to arrest a bystander in a public street who is filming.
—
Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Much attention goes to the NFL’s overseas games, but the league has also deputized its teams to help spread the sport in other international markets.
—Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 3 Feb. 2026
One source briefed on the matter told CBS News that prosecutors were trying to ascertain whether Pulte and Martin had improperly deputized Bowes and Strauss to assist on the Schiff investigation.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
Since late 2025, under new agreements with the Department of Homeland Security, Florida has deputized more than eighteen hundred state troopers to perform federal-immigration functions.
—Edwidge Danticat, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deputize
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Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Much attention goes to the NFL’s overseas games, but the league has also deputized its teams to help spread the sport in other international markets.
—Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 3 Feb. 2026
One source briefed on the matter told CBS News that prosecutors were trying to ascertain whether Pulte and Martin had improperly deputized Bowes and Strauss to assist on the Schiff investigation.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
Since late 2025, under new agreements with the Department of Homeland Security, Florida has deputized more than eighteen hundred state troopers to perform federal-immigration functions.
—Edwidge Danticat, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deputize
Cite this Entry
“Deputize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deputize. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deputize
verb
dep·u·tize
ˈdep-yə-ˌtīz
deputized; deputizing
1
: to appoint as deputy
2
: to act as deputy
Legal Definition
deputize
verb
dep·u·tize
ˈde-pyə-ˌtīz
deputized; deputizing
: to appoint as deputy
: to act as deputy
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