Meaning
Warrant can be used both as a noun and a verb, with related but distinct meanings.
- As a noun: an official document or authorization giving legal or formal permission to do something (e.g., an arrest warrant).
- As a verb: to justify or give reason for something; to make something necessary or reasonable.
Grammar and Usage
As a Noun
-
a warrant for + noun/verb-ing – used to express official authorization.
- a warrant for arrest, a search warrant
- The police issued a warrant for his arrest.
As a Verb
-
warrant + noun – to justify or make something necessary.
- The results do not warrant further investigation.
- Nothing in his behavior warrants such harsh criticism.
It is typically transitive, taking a direct object.
Common Patterns:
-
warrant doing something (slightly formal)
-
be warranted = be justified
- Your concern is completely warranted.
Common Phrases
- arrest warrant – legal document authorizing arrest
- search warrant – document allowing police to search property
- death warrant – official order for execution
- warrant officer – military rank
- without warrant – without legal or reasonable justification
Collocations
- issue a warrant
- obtain a warrant
- execute a warrant
- a warrant for arrest
- fully warrant
- reasonably warrant
- not warrant attention
Examples
- The judge issued a warrant for the suspect’s arrest.
- Police cannot enter your house without a warrant.
- The company’s actions did not warrant such strong criticism.
- The evidence does not warrant a full investigation.
- His fear was perfectly warranted given the circumstances.
- The officer executed the warrant early in the morning.
- This minor mistake hardly warrants punishment.
- The situation warrants immediate attention.
- He signed the death warrant for the condemned prisoner.
- Your concern is warranted, but let’s wait for confirmation.
Synonyms or Related
- justify
- authorize
- permit
- validate
- sanction
Antonym
- forbid
- prohibit
- invalidate
- disallow