dep‧u‧tize (also deputise British English) /ˈdepjətaɪz, ˈdepjʊtaɪz/ verb

1. [intransitive] British English to do the work of someone of a higher rank than you for a short time because they are unable to do it
deputize for
Jed could deputise for Stewart, if necessary.

2. [transitive] American English to give someone below you in rank the authority to do your work for a short time, usually because you are unable to do it ⇒ delegate

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲