proxy
PROK-see
/ˈprɒk.si/
A representative authorized to vote or act for another; the official document granting voting power.
Refers both to the agent appointed and to the voting authorization document itself.
The story behind the word. A medieval Anglo-French contraction of Latin 'procuratio', meaning 'agency' or 'taking care of business for another' (from 'pro' on behalf of + 'curare' to care for). It shortened to 'proxy' in English courts.
Word relationships
- surrogate: Surrogate emphasizes replacing someone in a role; proxy emphasizes delegated voting authority.
- principal: The principal is the person authorizing the proxy agent to vote.
Commonly confused with
- agent: An agent acts broadly across business operations; a proxy is specific to voting rights and governance governance.
Word family
- proximate (adjective): Closest in space or relationship.
Collocations
- proxy vote
- proxy statement
- proxy contest
Idioms & expressions
- vote by proxy
Example sentences
- "Shareholders unable to attend the meeting submitted their decisions by proxy." Corporate governance
- "The hedge fund launched a proxy contest to remove three board members." Board dispute
Memory hook
PROXy acts APPROXimately in your place. Authorized substitute voter.
When not to use
Avoid using as a vague synonym for 'guess' in general conversation.
Fun facts
- In US public finance, the SEC DEF 14A 'Proxy Statement' discloses top executive salary data to all investors.
Related words
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