Meaning & Definition of word "Surrogate"

Surrogate

/ˈsɜːr.əˌɡeɪt/

noun:

  • 1. A person or thing that acts or is designed to act in place of another.
    • Example: She chose a surrogate to carry her baby when she could not conceive.
  • 2. A substitute, especially a person appointed to act for another.
    • Example: In the absence of the manager, his surrogate handled the meeting.

adjective:

  • 1. Serving as a substitute.
    • Example: The surrogate mother provided the couple with the family they desired.

Etymology

Late Latin surrogatus, past participle of surrogare, from sub- 'under' + rogare 'to ask'

Common Phrases and Expressions

surrogate mother:

A woman who bears a child for another person or couple.

surrogate decision making:

Making decisions on behalf of someone else, especially in medical situations.

surrogate marker:

A substitute measure used to infer the presence or level of something.

Related Words

substitution:

The act of replacing one thing with another.

proxy:

A person authorized to act for another.

replacement:

A thing that takes the place of another.

Slang Meanings of surrogate

Meaning: A term for someone who is temporarily taking over someone else's responsibilities.

Example Sentence: She was acting as a surrogate while her boss was on leave.

Meaning: In some circles, it refers to someone who fills in during a friendship or a relationship.

Example Sentence: After they broke up, he was just a surrogate for her loneliness.