death warrant

American  

noun

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

2. anything that ends hope, expectation, etc.

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death warrant British  

noun

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

2. to cause one's own destruction

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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

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

One of them spoke as though he read from a death warrant.

From Literature

“Because the death warrant against plaintiff Wilson no longer exists, and the regulations have been amended, the court can see no reason to address the issue of injunctive relief at this time,” Shepherd wrote.

From Seattle Times

According to Brewer, he was referring to the death warrant of King Charles I of England, who was tried, convicted and executed in 1649.

From Salon