search warrant

noun

, Law.

1. a court order authorizing the examination of a dwelling or other private premises by police officials, as for stolen goods.

search warrant

noun

1. a written order issued by a justice of the peace authorizing a constable or other officer to enter and search premises for stolen goods, drugs, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of search warrant¹

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

According to an application for a search warrant reviewed by the Kansas City Star, Reid told officers last week in addition to drinking alcohol before the crash, he also had a prescription for Adderall.

From Washington Post

Investigators searched the Larsons’ home in Fauquier County, seizing five computers and 18 electronic storage devices, according to a law enforcement search warrant filed in Fauquier County Circuit Court.

From Washington Post

I asked whether they had a search warrant to enter his room, and they told me it wasn’t necessary.

From Time

Prosecutors have obtained more than 500 grand jury subpoenas and search warrants, and charged dozens with assaulting police, a number Sherwin said would quickly grow.

From Washington Post

He stepped down as chairman of the Intelligence Committee after FBI agents seized his cellphone and executed a search warrant for his electronic communications.

From Washington Post

The move was officially an execution of a search warrant filed Friday.

From The Daily Beast

But within a few minutes of looking around, police filed for a search warrant.

From The Daily Beast

They subsequently obtained a search warrant and discovered more than four dozen more.

From The Daily Beast

TMZ reports that this was a felony search warrant, which brings in to question the serious nature of the attack.

From The Daily Beast

He was understandably irritated that the police had decided to include the remarks in an affidavit for a search warrant.

From The Daily Beast

“I will go home with thee,” says the Master always in his Word, and his search-warrant has never lost its power.

From Project Gutenberg

Did me and you have a search warrant or a posse comitatus when we rounded up them six Mexican cow thieves down in Hidalgo?

From Project Gutenberg

A search-warrant on Horwick premises signed by a Ford magistrate!

From Project Gutenberg

You couldn't find a Jap in Australia, with a search warrant.

From Project Gutenberg

When Hiram Doolittle had obtained his search-warrant, his first business was to procure a proper officer to see it executed.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• summons