warrant

Definition

  • noun: a document issued by a court that gives the police the power to do something
  • noun: evidence for or token of authorization
  • verb: to require or deserve (something)
  • verb: to declare or maintain with certainty
  • usually used as '(be) warranted'
  • synonyms: sanction

Examples

  • If you share needles with other drug users, you're 'signing your own death warrant'. [=you are doing something that will cause your own death]

  • The seller 'warrants' [=(more commonly) 'guarantees'] that the car has no defects.

  • This report 'warrants' careful study. [=this report should be given careful study]

Movie quotes

  • (..) Byron Hadley sobbed like a girl... ...when they took him away. Norton had no intention of going that quietly. Samuel Norton. We have a warrant for your arrest. Open up. Open the door. I'm not sure which key. Make it easy on yourself, Norton! I like to think the last thing (..)
    1994 The Shawshank Redemption