death warrant

• Ein offizieller Befehl zur Hinrichtung einer Person oder im übertragenen Sinn etwas, das das Ende oder den Untergang eines Menschen, eines Plans oder einer Organisation herbeiführt.

An official order for someone to be executed, or figuratively, something that will cause the end or failure of a person, plan, or organization.

1. Official execution orderB2formal

   An official document ordering the execution of a person sentenced to death.

   Todesurteil

   • The judge signed the death warrant for the convicted murderer.
   • The prisoner was informed that his death warrant had been issued.
   • In some countries, the death warrant requires approval from the head of state.

2. Figurative: cause of failure or ruinB2informal

   Something that inevitably leads to the end, failure, or destruction of a person, plan, or organization.

   Todesurteil

   • The new regulation was the death warrant for small businesses in the area.
   • His public scandal was the death warrant for his political career.
   • Ignoring customer feedback can be the death warrant for a company.