1. Appoint as a substitute
   "The principal deputised the vice principal to lead the meeting in her absence";
   - depute, deputize
    
2. Act or speak as a replacement (for someone or something)
   "The assistant coach had to deputise for the head coach during his illness";
   - substitute, deputize, step in, sub [informal]

Derived forms: deputised, deputises, deputising

Type of: appoint, charge, replace, supercede [non-standard], supersede, supervene upon, supplant