Definition

1. Noun:
   • A public officer authorized to perform certain legal formalities: A "notary" is someone legally empowered to witness the signing of documents, administer oaths, and certify their authenticity to prevent fraud.

Usage

• The primary function of a notary is to serve as an impartial witness. A notary verifies the identity of signatories, ensures they are signing willingly, and affixes an official seal or stamp to the document.
• The term is most commonly used in the full title notary public. When used alone, "notary" is understood to mean "notary public."

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Notary's seal/stamp": The official impression or inked mark a notary places on a document to certify it.
  • The document was rejected because the notary's seal was not clear.
• "Notarization" (n): The act performed by a notary.
  • The notarization of the will made it legally binding.

Variants and Related Words

• Notary public (n): The full, formal title for a notary.
  • She was appointed as a notary public for the county.
• Notarize (v): To have a document certified by a notary.
  • You must notarize this document for it to be valid overseas.

Synonyms

• Public notary: A formal synonym for notary public.
• Certifying officer: A general term for someone authorized to certify documents.

Related Phrases

• To have a document notarized: The common phrase describing the action of using a notary's services.
  • Remember to have the power of attorney notarized.

Noun

1. someone legally empowered to witness signatures and certify a document's validity and to take depositions