Proxy

Meaning

A substitute acting on behalf of another; (as adjective) indirect, conducted through an intermediary

Origin / Etymology

Late Latin procuracy, from procurare (to take care of on behalf of another); shortened from 'procuracy'

Synonyms

Surrogate Substitute Intermediary Stand-in Representative

Antonyms

Principal Direct Original

Example Sentence

"The conflict in the region has increasingly taken the character of a proxy war, with external powers arming non-state actors to advance their strategic interests."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Critical for GS2 (IR) and GS3 (security). 'Proxy war', where a state uses non-state actors or third countries to fight, is central to understanding conflicts in West Asia, Pakistan's cross-border terrorism policy, and great-power competition in the Indo-Pacific.

Relevant Subjects