warrant

Everyday

1. An official paper from a judge that lets the police do something, such as search a house or arrest someone. tree →
2. (formal verb) To make something right or necessary: «The problem warrants a closer look.» tree →
3. (formal) A reason that makes something fair: «There is no warrant for such rudeness.» tree →
4. To warrant something can also mean to promise or guarantee it, as in "I'll warrant you'll like it." tree →

In the lessons

In stories and news: police get a search warrant or arrest warrant. In the formal exam voice: «Does the evidence warrant this conclusion?» means «Is it enough reason?».

Examples

• The police had a warrant to search the house. tree →
• A warrant was issued for the thief's arrest. tree →
• The small scratch didn't warrant a trip to the doctor. tree →
• Does this result warrant more testing? tree →
• Her behaviour did not warrant such a harsh punishment. tree →
• The judge signed the warrant. tree →

Note

Countable noun. Formal verb, regular: warranted. «Unwarranted» = not justified. A «warranty» is a different word: a promise to fix something you bought.