war|rant

war|rant «WR uhnt, WOR-», noun, verb.

–n.

1. that which gives a right; authority: »

He had no warrant for his action.

SYNONYM(S): sanction, authorization.

2. a written order giving authority for something: »

a warrant for the payment of money. Canada's War Measures Act…permits police to search and arrest without warrants and to deny bail (Paul D. Stevens).

3. a good and sufficient reason: »

to suspect a friend without warrant. He had no warrant for his hopes.

4. a) a document certifying something, especially to a purchaser; written guarantee. b) any guarantee; certification; promise.

5. the official certificate of appointment issued to a non-commissioned officer in the army or navy.

6. a certificate giving the holder the right to buy a stated number of shares of stock of a corporation at a specific price.

7. Especially British. a receipt given to a person who has deposited goods in a warehouse, by assignment of which the title to the goods is transferred; warehouse receipt.

8. a person who answers for a fact; authoritative witness.

9. Obsolete. a person or thing that serves as guaranty; security.

–v.t.

1. to authorize: »

The law warrants his arrest.

SYNONYM(S): sanction.

2. to justify: »

Nothing can warrant such rudeness.

3. to give one's word for; guarantee; promise. SYNONYM(S): assure.

4. to attest the truth or authenticity of; authenticate.

5. a) to guarantee to (the purchaser of goods) the security of the title to the goods; guarantee to indemnify for loss. b) to guarantee (a title) or guarantee the title to (a person) of granted property.

6. Informal. to assert as probable to the point of certainty; declare positively; certify: »

I'll warrant he won't try that again.

SYNONYM(S): affirm, attest.

╂[< Old North French warant, Old French guarant; see etym. under warranty (Cf. ↑warranty)]