The ability to do or be something without actually physically doing it.
"John was invited to the party, and since I'm his best friend I was invited by proxy"

"Sarah lives with a smoker so when they watch tv together she smokes by proxy"
by Ballet_Queen June 1, 2005
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A Proxy is the authority to represent another person or entity... Especially in the capacity of voting issues, such as on a board of directors.

This authority can be granted willingly, (as in the case of someone who cannot attend a meeting sending another to vote in her place) or unwillingly (such as in the case of a parent's authority over the affairs of a child. It can be granted with or without limitation ("Go to the meeting and vote yes on the takeover, for all my shares." or "The Executor is granted any and all reasonable powers necesary to manage and maintain the estate of Jonh, while he is in his coma.")

A parent, for instance, holds an automatic right of proxy in certain interests of her child. The child need not and cannot make decisions not granted her by her parent, because the parent has the legal authority to make those decisions for the child.

When something is done or decided by proxy, it means the actual effort of action, and sometimes the decision, was made by someone else.
Jennifer will hold my proxy for all voting issues that arise during the course of this series of meetings... Because I'm going to Aruba!
by Honor July 7, 2005
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implied action taken or status gained through association with or "closeness to" another (same origin as proximity)
I had to move away from that Katie Melua display in the music shop. I was getting a bad case of aural watery vomit by proxy.
by BruceyBrutus June 27, 2005
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johns dog sits and licks his balls and ass all day, and john also eats balls and asshole by proxy when the dog licks johns lips

But dosent a dog have the cleanest mouth in town? "maybe, but all i know is that they have the cleanest balls and asshole in town
by joe clabough June 25, 2005
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legal definition similiar to power of attorney, e.g. alternative way that leads to a same purpose or conclusion.
They were married by proxy over the telephone.
by Sify June 25, 2005
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When there is a causal relationship that can be drawn; a cause and effect. Because of one thing, another thing can be said (to occur) as a byproduct.
Pete likes to go the gym, there is a satisfaction he gains from the difficulty and overcoming the challenge, and from the results he sees afterwards. He is taking care of his body by proxy.
by PiXl_ October 10, 2022
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Proxy, can also mean using someone on your behalf.
Someone borrows money from you and he was just a proxy for the other guy who
borrowed money from you..
by Steve Ultra June 27, 2005
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