search warrant

American  

noun

Law.

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

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search warrant British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of search warrant

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

The commission heard how both officials entered the premises of a logistics company in the east of Johannesburg without a search warrant.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

The firearms were found through a federal search warrant of her home.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

District Judge Jean-Paul Boulee declared on Wednesday that Fulton County did not sufficiently prove that the FBI acted with “callous disregard” when it secured a search warrant to execute its January raid.

From Slate • May 8, 2026

They were joined by a team of ground radar experts who scanned the heavily concreted property, assisting the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s with serving a search warrant at the home.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Again, she would have shown up at the apartment door by now with a search warrant if she knew about it.

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin

Related Words

• summons