warrant
B2Formal, Legal, Business
Definition
Meaning
A document issued by a legal authority giving power to do something, especially to arrest someone or search property; official authorization.
To make an action seem reasonable, necessary, or justified; to serve as adequate grounds for something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun often refers to a concrete legal document. The verb is more abstract, meaning 'to justify' or 'to deserve.'
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. 'Search warrant' and 'arrest warrant' are universal. The verb 'to warrant' (meaning to justify) is slightly more common in formal American business/legal contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries strong connotations of official authority, justification, and formal procedure.
Frequency
Higher frequency in legal, police, and business contexts. The verb is less common in everyday casual speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[S] warrant [O] (The evidence warrants an investigation)[S] warrant [V-ing] (The situation warrants looking into)[S] be warranted (His concern was fully warranted)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sign one's own death warrant”
- “I'll warrant (old-fashioned/archaic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The sales projections warrant a significant investment in new manufacturing equipment.
Academic
The researcher argued that the anomalous data warranted a complete review of the underlying theory.
Everyday
This stain is terrible; I think it warrants calling a professional cleaner.
Technical
A failure of the primary containment system would warrant an immediate site evacuation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The police obtained a warrant to search the premises.
- He was arrested on a warrant issued six months prior.
American English
- The judge wouldn't sign the warrant without more evidence.
- He's a chief warrant officer in the Army.
verb
British English
- The severity of the allegations warrants a full public inquiry.
- Such rudeness does not warrant a reply.
American English
- Do you think the threat warrants that level of spending?
- The situation is serious but doesn't warrant panic.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The police have a warrant.
- The judge gave a warrant.
- They needed a search warrant to enter the house.
- His good work warrants a promotion.
- The evidence was compelling enough to warrant further investigation.
- A warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to appear in court.
- The company's blatant disregard for regulations warrants severe sanctions from the authorities.
- Her academic credentials certainly warrant her inclusion in the panel of experts.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WARRANT as a WARRANT-officer giving you official PERMISSION. Or: You need a WARRANT to WARRANT (justify) breaking down a door.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTIFICATION IS A FORMAL DOCUMENT (His actions warrant criticism). AUTHORITY IS A SEALED ORDER (The judge issued the warrant).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'гарантия' (guarantee/warranty). 'Warrant' - это чаще 'ордер' или 'санкция'. Глагол 'to warrant' - 'оправдывать', 'давать основания'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'warrant' as a direct synonym for 'guarantee' in non-legal contexts (Incorrect: 'I warrant you'll like it.' - better: 'I guarantee...'). Confusing 'warrant' (noun/verb) with 'warranty' (noun only, for products).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'warrant' used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Warrant' is mainly about official authorization or justification. 'Warranty' is a specific written guarantee for a product's repair/replacement.
The noun is mostly legal/official. The verb ('to justify') is used in everyday, business, and academic contexts (e.g., 'This warrants a celebration').
Yes, 'I warrant you' meaning 'I assure you' is now archaic or used for deliberate historical/rustic effect.
Literally: an order for execution. Figuratively: an action that ensures failure or ruin (e.g., 'Signing that contract was signing his own death warrant').
Collections
Part of a collection
Law and Regulation
C1 · 46 words · Legal language and regulatory frameworks.