warrant

¹war·rant

noun \ˈwȯr-ənt, ˈwär-\

Definition of WARRANT

1

a (1) : sanction, authorization; also : evidence for or token of authorization (2) : guarantee, security b (1) : ground, justification (2) : confirmation, proof

2

a : a commission or document giving authority to do something; especially : a writing that authorizes a person to pay or deliver to another and the other to receive money or other consideration b : a precept or writ issued by a competent magistrate authorizing an officer to make an arrest, a seizure, or a search or to do other acts incident to the administration of justice c : an official certificate of appointment issued to an officer of lower rank than a commissioned officer d (1) : a short-term obligation of a governmental body (as a municipality) issued in anticipation of revenue (2) : an instrument issued by a corporation giving to the holder the right to purchase the stock of the corporation at a stated price either prior to a stipulated date or at any future time

— war·rant·less \-ləs\ adjective

Examples of WARRANT

1. The police had a warrant for his arrest.
2. There was no warrant for such behavior.

Origin of WARRANT

Middle English waraunt protector, warrant, from Anglo-French warant, garant, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German werēnto guarantor, werēn to warrant; akin to Old High German wāra trust, care — more at very

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to WARRANT

Synonyms: allowance, authorization, clearance, concurrence, consent, granting, green light, leave, license (or licence), sanction, sufferance, permission

Antonyms: interdiction, prohibition, proscription

Related Words: imprimatur, seal, signature, stamp; accreditation, certification; liberty, pass; concession, patent, permit; tolerance, toleration; acceptance, acquiescence, agreement, assent, OK (or okay); accord, grant

Near Antonyms: denial, refusal, rejection, revocation; taboo (also tabu); injunction, veto; deterrence, discouragement, repression, suppression; ban, embargo, exclusion

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Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

Rhymes with WARRANT

horrent, torrent