deputize

UK: /ˈdɛpjʊtaɪz/ US: /ˈdɛpjəˌtaɪz/ ,(dep′yə tīz′)

Inflections of 'deputize' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

deputizes

v 3rd person singular (US & UK)

deputizing

v pres p (US & UK)

deputized

v past (US & UK)

deputized

v past p (US & UK)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

dep•u•tize /ˈdɛpyəˌtaɪz/   v., -tized, -tiz•ing. 

1. [ ~ + obj] to appoint as deputy:
   The boss deputized me to speak for her in her absence.
2. [no obj] to substitute for someone:
   Can you deputize for me tomorrow?

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

dep•u•tize  (dep′yə tīz′), v., -tized, -tiz•ing. 
v.t. 

1. to appoint as deputy.

v.i. 

2. to act as a deputy;
   substitute. Also,[esp. Brit.,] dep′u•tise′. 

• deput(y) + -ize 1720–30

dep′u•ti•za′tion, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

deputize, deputise / ˈdɛpjʊˌtaɪz/ verb

1. to appoint or act as deputy