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Glite Dictionary
undersheriff

undersheriff

4 7.2
A person who helps the sheriff with official duties
  • noun
  • /ˈʌndərˌʃɛrɪf/
translation icon : subalcalde
  • As undersheriff, I often coordinate community outreach programs to strengthen relationships between the police and the public.
  • County undersheriff
  • undersheriff and deputies
  • former undersheriff

Examples

  • Singling out his undersheriff, without preamble, he asked what was delaying matters.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • Undersheriff Dave Phillips pleaded with the public at 1 p.m. to stay at home and not try to drive anywhere, noting dozens of roads are closed.

    Blog text (13)

  • The petition for a Special Prosecutor describes the powers of Undersheriff Zinke.

    Blog text (13)

  • "He was very motivated," said Brian Anderson, undersheriff of Josephine County.

    Blog text (15)

  • The Undersheriff of McHenry County is the second highest-ranking law enforcement official in the Sheriff's Office, and possesses extensive resources and broad powers of investigation and arrest.

    Blog text (13)

  • The undersheriff of the county is responsible for assisting the sheriff in managing law enforcement activities.

  • During emergencies, the undersheriff supports the sheriff by coordinating resources and leading operations.

Synonyms

deputy
vsundersheriff
658 3.4

A person who acts for a leader when they are absent

helps with ongoing official duties rather than only replacing the superior temporarily
assistant
vsundersheriff
  • Specialized
214 2.8

Having a lower job that supports a higher role

is specifically the chief's second in command who helps with official duties
deputy sheriff
vsundersheriff
  • US
11 3.4

A law officer who helps the sheriff and acts for them when the sheriff is away

assists in carrying out the chief's regular official duties rather than mainly replacing them
adjoint
vsundersheriff
9.5

A person who helps and acts for someone in charge

is focused on helping the local chief with official duties rather than standing in

How Senior

sheriff
  • US
∞ 3.9
undersheriff
4 7.2
deputy sheriff
  • US
11 3.4

Surface Forms

undersheriff singular
undersheriffs plural

Morphology

undersheriff = sheriff (transparent) = under + sheriff

The meaning is directly 'under' (subordinate) + 'sheriff'; a deputy role clearly derived from the base.

Etymology

Undersheriff comes from under ('below' or 'assistant') and sheriff (the county's main law officer), so an undersheriff is the sheriff's deputy who helps run the department.