Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):

   • To temporarily perform the duties or act in the position of another person, especially when that person is absent. This involves taking on their responsibilities or role for a limited period.
   • To serve as a substitute or representative.

2. Verb (transitive, chiefly US):

   • To appoint or authorize someone to act as a substitute or deputy.

Usage and Examples

• Intransitive use (to deputize for someone):

  • While the manager is on vacation, her assistant will deputize for her.
  • I had to deputize for the lead actor when he fell ill suddenly.

• Transitive use (to appoint someone as a deputy):

  • The sheriff deputized several citizens to help control the crowd during the emergency.
  • The committee chair deputized a member to vote on her behalf.

Advanced Usage

• In formal or official contexts: Often used in legal, governmental, law enforcement, or organizational settings to grant temporary authority.

  • The constitution allows the vice president to deputize for the president in certain ceremonies.

• The phrase "to deputize for" is the standard construction for the intransitive meaning. The object of "for" is the person being replaced.

Variants and Related Words

• Deputy (n): A person appointed to act for another; a substitute or delegate, especially in an official capacity.

  • She served as the deputy director.

• Deputation (n): A group of people appointed to represent others; a delegation.

  • A deputation from the union met with management.

• Deputise (v): The British English spelling variant of "deputize".

Synonyms

• Substitute (v): To take the place of another.
• Stand in (phrasal v): To act as a substitute, especially temporarily.
• Cover for (phrasal v): To do someone's work or duties while they are absent.
• Act for: To represent or perform duties on behalf of another.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Deputize for: This is the primary phrasal construction for the intransitive verb.
  • Can you deputize for me at the meeting tomorrow?

Related Idioms

• To wear someone else's hat: To temporarily take on another person's role or responsibilities (less formal synonym).
  • I'm just wearing the manager's hat while she's away—I'm deputizing.

Verb

1. appoint as a substitute
2. act as a substitute
   • She stood in for the soprano who suffered from a cold