1. to appoint someone as a deputy or substitute to act with authority on one’s behalf
2. to act as a deputy or substitute for someone in authority

Examples

• The sheriff will deputize several volunteers to help with crowd control.
• She was deputized to sign contracts in the manager’s absence.
• The principal deputized the vice principal to handle disciplinary matters.
• He agreed to deputize for his colleague during the conference.
• The mayor deputized local business leaders to form a planning committee.
• When the captain fell ill, the first mate was deputized to command the ship.
• The teacher deputized a student to collect homework assignments.