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
The proposal would test federal supremacy over immigration matters by deputizing local police and giving local judges authority to issue deportation orders, the Statesman reported.
—
Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 28 Feb. 2025
Many of the people in the white mob were deputized by the sheriff in Tulsa.
—Essence, 24 Feb. 2025
In his first week in office, Trump declared a national border emergency; deployed 1,500 troops to the border, including a combat force; and deputized thousands more federal law enforcement officers to arrest immigrants, among other moves.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025
The state has begun deputizing local law enforcement agencies to work with ICE, including all 67 county sheriffs departments in Florida.
—Steven Walker, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deputize
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.
Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 28 Feb. 2025
Many of the people in the white mob were deputized by the sheriff in Tulsa.
—Essence, 24 Feb. 2025
In his first week in office, Trump declared a national border emergency; deployed 1,500 troops to the border, including a combat force; and deputized thousands more federal law enforcement officers to arrest immigrants, among other moves.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025
The state has begun deputizing local law enforcement agencies to work with ICE, including all 67 county sheriffs departments in Florida.
—Steven Walker, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deputize
Cite this Entry
“Deputize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deputize. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share