someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff in emergencies
"When the county sheriff was hospitalized, his deputy stepped in to direct traffic and manage the emergency response at the accident scene."
an assistant with power to act when his superior is absent
"The deputy mayor stepped in to sign the emergency budget immediately after the main official fell ill during the council meeting."
a member of the lower chamber of a legislative assembly (such as in France)
"The new deputy took her seat in the National Assembly during the morning session."
One appointed as the substitute of another, and empowered to act for them, in their name or their behalf; a substitute in office
"The police chief stepped out for lunch and asked his deputy to sign the arrest warrants."
In plain English: A deputy is someone who acts as an assistant or replacement for another person, especially when that person is busy or away.
"The deputy sheriff took over duties while the chief was away."
Usage: Use "deputy" to refer to an official who acts with the authority of a superior person or holds a position immediately below that of the main holder. This term specifically denotes someone appointed to perform duties on behalf of another, such as a police officer serving under a chief.
to deputise
"The manager decided to deputise Sarah while she was on vacation so she could handle all the customer complaints alone."
In plain English: To deputy means to act as a substitute for someone else when they are not available.
"The deputy will be in charge while the manager is away."
Usage: Use "deputize" (American) or "depute" (British) as a verb when you assign someone the authority to act on your behalf. Do not use it to mean replacing someone temporarily in their job role.
The word deputy comes from the Old French député, which was borrowed from the Late Latin deputatus. It originally meant someone who had been appointed to a specific role or duty.