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proxy

/ˈprɑksi/
/ˈprɒksi/
IPA guide

Other forms: proxies

Don't feel like going to the grocery store today? See if you can send your brother as a proxy, meaning he's a substitute authorized to act for you.

Now, don't get crazy about getting your brother to do everything for you. Running your errands is one thing, but if you're a historian and your brother is an accountant, he is not a good proxy for you when you don't feel like researching your book about Napoleon. And you wouldn't be a good proxy for him in his work. A proxy must be well-chosen to truly act on another person's behalf.

Definitions of proxy
  1. noun
    a person authorized to act for another
    synonyms: placeholder, procurator
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    type of:
    agent
    a representative who acts on behalf of other persons or organizations
  2. noun
    a power of attorney document given by shareholders of a corporation authorizing a specific vote on their behalf at a corporate meeting
    see moresee less
    type of:
    power of attorney
    a legal instrument authorizing someone to act as the grantor's agent
Pronunciation
US
/ˈprɑksi/
UK
/ˈprɒksi/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘proxy'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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