WordGarden.iowarrant
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɒrənt/
US
- /ˈwɔrənt/
Meanings
Noun
an official legal document authorizing an arrest, search, or similar action
good reason or justification for something
Verb
to justify, make appropriate, or require
to guarantee or formally assure
Beyond the definition
A warrant is not just something police officers show when they need to search a house; it is official permission or a good reason for an action. A judge can issue one to allow the police to make an arrest or carry out a search. But the word is also common in everyday English. If your excellent work record warrants a promotion, it means your achievements justify it and show that you deserve it. The word can also carry the idea of a guarantee, especially in legal or business use.
A warrant has several related meanings, all built around permission, support, or a guarantee. Most commonly, it refers to a legal document: a written order issued by a court or other official body that allows law enforcement to take a specific action, such as making an arrest or searching a property. This document gives the action legal support and helps protect individual rights. For example: "The police obtained a warrant to search the suspect's vehicle."
However, "warrant" is also frequently used as a verb meaning to justify or to deserve. If someone says your behavior warrants criticism, they are saying your actions have made that criticism necessary or appropriate. It implies there is sufficient reason or evidence to support a particular course of action. "His consistent dedication warranted a significant bonus."
The word also carries the sense of a guarantee. This is easy to see in the related word warranty, which is a formal promise about the quality or performance of a product. To "warrant" something in a business or legal sense is to promise or confirm that it is valid, true, or in good condition. Historically, warrants were also official documents that gave authority for special duties, and that older use still appears in the military rank "warrant officer."
Whether it's a legal document authorizing action, a justification for a decision, or a promise of quality, a warrant signifies official permission, strong support, or guaranteed validity.
Examples
- 1
Search authority
The police got a search warrant before they entered the house.
- 2
Arrest warrant
There's a warrant out for his arrest, so he avoided the airport.
- Patternthere's a warrant out for + person
the police have officially issued one
- 3
Medical need
Her symptoms were serious enough to warrant a visit to the doctor.
- Patternserious enough to warrant + action
serious enough to make that action necessary
- 4
Further investigation
The report raised concerns that warrant further investigation.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Discipline
A small mistake like that doesn't warrant firing someone.
See also
Similar
- authorization
- court order
- writ
Contrast
- prohibition
- unauthorized action
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- search warrant
- arrest warrant
- issue a warrant
- execute a warrant
Word family
- warrantless
Explore
- probable cause
- judicial authorization
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- warrantnounverb
Forms
- warrantspluralnounverb
- warrantedpast tenseverbnoun
- warranting-ing formverbnoun