death warrant

American  

noun

1. an official order authorizing the execution of the sentence of death.

2. anything that ends hope, expectation, etc.

---

death warrant British  

noun

1. the official authorization for carrying out a sentence of death

2. to cause one's own destruction

---

Etymology

Origin of death warrant

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

Critics say this mothballing will amount to a death warrant, and have asked San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors to give the fountain another chance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

Carr clearly got a taste for murder as the show progressed, bumping off Paloma Faith in plain sight and handing Lucy Beaumont her death warrant.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2025

If and when the state kills, every decision, including whether and when to issue a death warrant, must be done publicly, deliberately, and in a way that accords the condemned due process of law.

From Slate • Sep. 15, 2025

When Archerd’s death warrant was signed, Reiner won a last-minute stay.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2024

It was his father, reading the death warrant.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann