To officially give someone the authority and legal power to act on behalf of a higher official or authority.
From 'deputy' (a person acting for another) with the suffix '-ize,' rooted in Old French 'deputé' meaning appointed or delegated.
When someone gets deputized, they're given the actual legal weight to enforce laws or make decisions—it's why deputized citizens during emergencies can briefly have arrest powers, making ordinary people temporary agents of the state.
Deputization historically restricted women from law enforcement authority. Women deputies had to fight for recognition in the 20th century as legitimate law enforcement agents.
Use inclusively without modification; acknowledge that women now hold deputized authority equally. Avoid assuming default maleness in law enforcement contexts.
Female deputies and sheriffs overcame systemic barriers to establish themselves as credible law enforcement officers with full deputized authority.
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