warrant

word

/ˈwɔɹənt/
WAR-uhnt
/wˈɒɹənt/
WO-ruhnt

Definition

As a noun, a warrant is an official legal document that allows the police to do something such as arrest someone or search a place. As a verb, it means to make something necessary, justified, or deserving.

Usage & Nuances

Common in legal and formal contexts. The noun often appears in phrases like 'arrest warrant' and 'search warrant'. The verb is formal and is often used in patterns like 'warrant action', 'warrant attention', or 'be warranted'. 'Warranty' is different: it refers to a product guarantee.

Example Sentences

The police got a warrant to search the house.

basic

This problem does not warrant a big meeting.

basic

Keep your warrant in a safe place if the machine breaks.

basic

They can't just walk in here without a warrant.

natural

I don't think one late email warrants this much stress.

natural

Given what happened, a full review is definitely warranted.

natural