Definition of: warrant

(wôr′ənt, wor′-) noun
1. Law A judicial writ or order authorizing arrest, search, seizure, or any other designated act in aid of the administration of justice.
2. Something which assures or attests; a voucher; evidence; guarantee.
3. That which gives authority for some course or act; sanction; justification: What warrant have you for that statement?
4. A certificate of appointment given to army and navy officers of rank lower than commissioned officers. See under OFFICER.
5. A document giving a certain authority; specifically, a document authorizing receipt or payment of money: a dividend warrant. See synonyms under PRECEDENT.
—v.t.
1. To assure or guarantee the quality, accuracy, certainty, or sufficiency of: to warrant a title to property.
2. To assure or guarantee the character or fidelity of; pledge oneself for.
3. To guarantee against injury, loss, etc.
4. To be sufficient grounds for; justify: The facts did not warrant your action.
5. To give legal authority or power to, so as to secure against harm; empower; authorize.
6. Colloq. To say confidently; feel sure. See synonyms under JUSTIFY. [<AF warant, OF guarant <Gmc.]
—war′rant·a·ble adjective
—war′rant·a·bly adverb
—war′rant·er noun