deputy
n. countablen. a person whose job is to help a leader and take over their work if they are away. You often see this in offices or in the police.
n. a person appointed as a substitute or assistant to a superior, empowered to act on their behalf. Often used as a formal title in administrative, political, or law enforcement contexts.
The deputy will lead the meeting while the manager is away.
After the sheriff was injured, his deputy took charge of the investigation to ensure the town remained safe.
The prime minister's deputy handled the delicate diplomatic negotiations while the leader focused on urgent domestic policy reforms during the economic crisis.
From French député, from Late Latin deputatus (“appointed”).
Often used as a title before a name or as a standalone noun to indicate rank.