verb

depute

dih-PYOOT/dɪˈpjuːt/

To appoint someone to act on another's behalf.

The director deputes her assistant to speak on her behalf.

A modern workplace supervisor unable to leave a desk hands a plain folder and meeting-room key to a trusted colleague, gestures toward a waiting group through a glass meeting-room door, appointing that colleague to represent them.

Etymology

The pieces literally conveyed 'cut away' or 'prune,' while the whole verb also meant 'consider' and later 'allot.' The appointing sense reflects this later idea of assigning someone a role.

More examples

The committee deputed two members to present its concerns.
We can depute someone to attend the meeting for us.
She was deputed to negotiate on behalf of the workers.

Forms

depute · deputes · deputed · deputing

deputy noun — A person authorized to act for another.

deputation noun — A group appointed to represent others.

Similar words

delegate: Often stresses entrusting someone with a particular task or authority.
appoint: Names someone to a position, not necessarily as a representative.
deputize: Often means granting someone a deputy's official powers.