The principal deputized the vice principal to oversee school affairs during his business trip.

deputized 是动词 deputize 的过去式，deputize 由名词 deputy（副手、代理人）加上动词后缀 -ize 构成，意思是"授权某人作为代理人"或"委派某人代理职责"。这里指校长正式授权副校长代行职责。