First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1warrant
noun war·rant \ˈwȯr-ənt, ˈwär-\
law : a document issued by a court that gives the police the power to do something
: a reason for thinking, deciding, or doing something
Full Definition of WARRANT
1
a (1) : sanction, authorization; also : evidence for or token of authorization (2) : guarantee, security b (1) : ground, justification (2) : confirmation, proof
2
a : a commission or document giving authority to do something; especially : a writing that authorizes a person to pay or deliver to another and the other to receive money or other consideration b : a precept or writ issued by a competent magistrate authorizing an officer to make an arrest, a seizure, or a search or to do other acts incident to the administration of justice c : an official certificate of appointment issued to an officer of lower rank than a commissioned officer d (1) : a short-term obligation of a governmental body (as a municipality) issued in anticipation of revenue (2) : an instrument issued by a corporation giving to the holder the right to purchase the stock of the corporation at a stated price either prior to a stipulated date or at any future time
— war·rant·less \-ləs\ adjective
See warrant defined for English-language learners
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Origin of WARRANT
Middle English waraunt protector, warrant, from Anglo-French warant, garant, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German werēnto guarantor, werēn to warrant; akin to Old High German wāra trust, care — more at very
Related to WARRANT
- Synonyms
- allowance, authorization, clearance, concurrence, consent, granting, green light, leave, license (or licence), sanction, sufferance, permission
- Antonyms
- interdiction, prohibition, proscription
Other Business Terms
2warrant
verb
: to require or deserve (something)
: to make a legal promise that a statement is true
: to give a guarantee or warranty for (a product)
Full Definition of WARRANT
transitive verb
1
a : to declare or maintain with certainty : be sure that <I'll warrant he'll be here by noon> b : to assure (a person) of the truth of what is said
2
a : to guarantee to a person good title to and undisturbed possession of (as an estate) b : to provide a guarantee of the security of (as title to property sold) usually by an express covenant in the deed of conveyance c : to guarantee to be as represented d : to guarantee (as goods sold) especially in respect of the quality or quantity specified
3
: to guarantee security or immunity to : secure <I'll warrant him from drowning — Shakespeare>
4
: to give warrant or sanction to : authorize <the law warrants this procedure>
5
a : to give proof of the authenticity or truth of b : to give assurance of the nature of or for the undertaking of : guarantee
6
: to serve as or give adequate ground or reason for <promising enough to warrant further consideration>
See warrant defined for English-language learners
Origin of WARRANT
Middle English, waranten to act as protector, guarantee, from Anglo-French warentir, garantir, from warant
First Known Use: 14th century
WARRANTS Defined for Kids
1warrant
noun war·rant \ˈwȯr-ənt\
Definition of WARRANT for Kids
1
: a reason or cause for an opinion or action <There is no warrant for such behavior.>
2
: a document giving legal power <“Hold that man,” … “I have a warrant for his arrest.” — Richard and Florence Atwater, Mr. Popper's Penguins>
2warrant
verb
war·rant·edwar·rant·ing
Definition of WARRANT for Kids
1
: to be sure of or that <I'll warrant they know the answer.>
2
: 2guarantee 1 <The toaster is warranted for 90 days.>
3
: to call for : justify <The report warrants careful study.>
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