warrant

  • noun 1 an official authorization enabling the police or some other body to make an arrest, search premises, etc. 2 a document entitling the holder to receive goods, money, or services. 3 justification or authority. 4 an official certificate of appointment issued to an officer of lower rank than a commissioned officer.

  • verb 1 justify or necessitate. 2 officially affirm or guarantee.

  — PHRASES I (or I’ll) warrant dated no doubt.

  — DERIVATIVES warrantable adjective.

  — ORIGIN originally in the senses protector, safeguard, and protect from danger: from Old French guarant; related to GUARANTEE.

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