requisition
C1Formal, Administrative, Military
Definition
Meaning
An official, formal, or written demand or request for something, especially supplies or services.
The act of taking or demanding something, often for official or public use; a formal document making such a demand; to make such a formal demand.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word implies a formal, often legally or procedurally backed demand, not a simple request. It often carries an expectation of compliance. As a verb, it is transitive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use it primarily in formal/official contexts. In UK English, 'requisition' is slightly more associated with historical/military contexts (e.g., wartime requisitioning).
Connotations
In both, connotes bureaucracy, official procedure, and authority. Can have a negative connotation of forceful taking.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday conversation. More common in legal, government, military, and corporate procurement contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to requisition something (from somebody/somewhere)to put/place something under requisitionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on requisition”
- “under requisition”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A formal document an employee submits to request equipment or supplies from the company.
Academic
Historical analysis of state requisition of property during wartime.
Everyday
Very rare; might be used humorously for a formal family request, e.g., 'I filed a requisition for more biscuits.'
Technical
Military: The compulsory acquisition of materials, vehicles, or buildings for military use.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The army requisitioned the village hall for use as a temporary command post.
- During the crisis, the government requisitioned private ferries for evacuation.
American English
- The film crew requisitioned the entire block for their shoot.
- The sheriff requisitioned additional vehicles from the county motor pool.
adverb
British English
- The supplies were acquired requisitionally.
American English
- The property was taken requisitionally by the authorities.
adjective
British English
- The requisition procedure must be followed precisely.
- He was responsible for the requisition paperwork.
American English
- Please use the correct requisition code on the form.
- The requisition process is handled by the procurement department.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My manager signed the requisition for a new computer.
- All stationery must be ordered using the official requisition system.
- The historical museum displayed a requisition order for horses from 1942.
- The occupying forces had the power to requisition any building deemed necessary for security.
- Her requisition for additional lab equipment was denied due to budget constraints.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REQuest + poSITION = requisition. It's a request that puts you in a position to officially demand something.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A FORMAL DOCUMENT (The requisition gives the user the power/authority to obtain something).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'реквизит' (stage props).
- Closer to 'требование' (official demand) or 'наряд' (work order/requisition).
- 'Реквизиция' is a direct cognate but is less common in modern Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a casual synonym for 'ask' (Incorrect: 'I requisitioned him to help.').
- Confusing noun and verb forms in sentence structure.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'requisition' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both a noun (e.g., 'submit a requisition') and a verb (e.g., 'requisition supplies'). The verb form is less common in everyday speech.
A 'requisition' is a formal, official demand, often within a structured system (like a company or military), implying an expectation of fulfillment. A 'request' is more general and can be informal.
Yes, especially in legal/military contexts. It implies taking by authority, which may be against the owner's wishes but is sanctioned by law or regulation (e.g., wartime requisitioning).
It is common in specific domains like procurement, supply chain, and large organizations with formal approval processes. In small companies or informal settings, words like 'order' or 'request' are more common.