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.