Deputy

/ˈdɛpjʊti/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person appointed to assist or act for another in a specific capacity.

The sheriff appointed a deputy to help manage the county's law enforcement.

A person who is designated to take over duties in the absence of someone in authority.

The deputy director will assume control while the director is out of town.

A member of a legislative body; specifically a member of a lower house or assembly.

The deputies in the assembly voted unanimously on the proposed legislation.

Middle English, from Anglo-French 'deputé', past participle of 'deputer', meaning appoint or assign.

deputy sheriff:

A law enforcement officer who serves under the sheriff.

deputy prime minister:

A member of the government who assists the prime minister.

deputy chair:

An individual who assists the chairperson in fulfilling their duties.

Deputy Dawg

A humorous term referring to someone acting in authority but not fully in charge.

Deputy Dog

A playful term for someone seen as overly authoritative in a silly way.