deputize

/ˈdɛpjətaɪz/
verb
  1. To appoint someone as a deputy or to act as a deputy in place of another person.
    • When the sheriff fell ill, he asked his officer to deputize for him during the parade.
    • The teacher deputized a student to collect the homework and bring it to the office.
    • The manager decided to deputize her assistant to lead the meeting while she was away.