A proxy is a person or thing that acts on behalf of another, often with the authority to make decisions or take actions in their place. This can refer to a representative or substitute, such as a proxy voter in an election, or a proxy server that acts as an intermediary between a user and the internet. In a broader sense, a proxy can also be used to describe a symbol or representation of something else, such as a proxy war where one country fights on behalf of another. Ultimately, a proxy serves as a stand-in or proxy for someone or something else, carrying out their wishes or fulfilling their role in their absence.