Deputy Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈdɛpɪti/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person or thing that acts on behalf of another, such as an assistant or representative, or a high-ranking officer in a law enforcement agency, typically assisting or supporting a superior officer.

Examples

• The mayor appointed a deputy mayor to help with administrative tasks.
• The police station had a deputy chief of police who oversaw daily operations.

Synonyms

• Assistant
• Representative
• Officer

Antonyms

• Superior
• Authority

Etymology

The word “deputy” comes from the Old French “deputé”, meaning “appointed” or “designated”, from the Latin “deputare”, meaning “to appoint”.

Additional Information

Deputies play a crucial role in various contexts, including government, law enforcement, and business. A deputy can be responsible for a wide range of tasks, from administrative duties to representing their superior in official capacities. Deputies are essential in maintaining order, providing support, and ensuring the smooth functioning of organizations.

In law enforcement, a deputy is typically a high-ranking officer who assists the chief of police or sheriff in managing daily operations. Deputies may be responsible for tasks such as patrols, investigations, and community outreach.

In business, a deputy can refer to an executive who assists the CEO or chief financial officer in managing the company’s operations. Deputies may be responsible for tasks such as strategy development, budgeting, and personnel management.

Usage Notes

In formal contexts, it is common to use the term “deputy” to refer to a high-ranking official or representative. In informal contexts, the term may be used more broadly to refer to any assistant or supporter.

Cultural References

The term “deputy” has appeared in various forms of media, including books, movies, and TV shows. For example, the popular TV show “Sheriff’s Deputy” features a character who is a law enforcement official responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining order in a small town.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the term “deputy” include:

• “Deputy sheriff” refers to a high-ranking law enforcement officer who assists the sheriff in enforcing the law.
• “Acting deputy” refers to a person who is temporarily filling in for a higher-ranking officer or official.

Related Words or Phrases

• Assistant
• Representative
• Lieutenant
• Director

Collocations

• Deputy mayor
• Deputy police chief
• Deputy CEO
• Deputy head

Frequency of Use

The term “deputy” is commonly used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and industry.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of the term “deputy” include:

• Deputie
• Deputiee
• Deputiey