requisition
rek-wuh-ZISH-uhn
/ˌrɛkwɪˈzɪʃən/
An official, formal demand or request for supplies, resources, or the use of property, often during an emergency or military operation.
Unlike a simple request, a requisition is authoritative and often legally binding, leaving the receiver with little choice but to comply.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'requisitionem', meaning 'a searching for' or 'demand'. It entered English in the 15th century as a formal, written demand for resources, transforming from a legal request into a strict military mandate for supplies.
Word relationships
- demand: A demand can be informal and aggressive, whereas a requisition is a formal, structured, and official process.
- procurement: Procurement is the entire process of acquiring goods, while a requisition is the specific document or act of requesting them.
Commonly confused with
- acquisition: Acquisition is the act of actually gaining possession of something, while requisition is the formal demand or order for it.
Word family
- requisitioned (verb (past tense)): Demanded or taken for official use.
Collocations
- submit a requisition
- emergency requisition
- requisition form
Example sentences
- "The quartermaster signed a requisition for fifty additional cold-weather tents." A historical account of a supply officer's duties.
- "All department heads must submit a formal requisition before purchasing new office equipment." A corporate procurement process.
Memory hook
Think of 'require' + 'position'. You require supplies to hold your position, so you write a requisition. An official requirement on paper.
When not to use
Do not use for polite, casual requests among friends or peers.
Fun facts
- During World War I, governments used requisitions to seize entire merchant shipping fleets for military transport.
Related words
Also appears in
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