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Synonyms

notarize

American  
[noh-tuh-rahyz] / ˈnoʊ təˌraɪz /
especially British, notarise

verb (used with object)

notarized, notarizing
  1. to certify (a document, contract, etc.) or cause to become certified through a notary public.


notarize British  
/ ˈnəʊtəˌraɪz /

verb

  1. (tr) to attest to or authenticate (a document, contract, etc), as a notary

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of notarize

First recorded in 1925–30; notar(y) + -ize

Explanation

You usually have someone notarize your contract when you lease a car. In other words, she'll put a special, official stamp next to your signature and her own — certifying that you are in fact you. The verb notarize is most likely to come up in a lawyer's office or when you're signing a contract, a will, or some other legal document. A person certified to notarize documents is called a "notary public," and his job is to officially swear that he saw the contract or agreement get signed. The word "notary" was originally used to mean "secretary," but around the 14th century it took on the meaning of "person authorized to authenticate."

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Vocabulary lists containing notarize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Philbrick, for her part, submitted an affidavit in support of Keough’s lawsuit that said she did not notarize any documents involving Presley.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2024

I went to notarize the claim form at the bank, where they told me to go to the pharmacy, whose notary only accepted cash, sending me right back to the bank.

From New York Times • Oct. 27, 2021

Taylor skips lunch to notarize papers and accept more closing requests, and while he’s multitasking, he calls to check on his 73-year-old dad.

From Washington Post • Apr. 9, 2020

In order to notarize a document, the notary has to see both parties sign.

From Encyclopedia.com • Mar. 21, 2018

There are legal forms to locate and sign, Social Security documents to notarize, a birth certificate to find and costs at every stage of the process.

From Slate • May 5, 2016

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