warranted

Warranted is the past participle and adjective form of warrant. It has several related senses in English. In general usage, something that is warranted is justified, supported by good reasons or evidence, or officially authorized. For example, a statement may be warranted by the available data, or a claim may be warranted given the circumstances. Oppositely, unwarranted means not justified or lacking justification.

In legal contexts, warrant can refer to a written authorization issued by a court or other authority. A warranted action is one that is permitted or required by a valid warrant, such as a warranted search or seizure. The term also appears in consumer law to describe a guarantee or promise about a product or service; a product that is warranted carries a warranty ensuring certain standards or repairs.

In philosophy and epistemology, warranted belief is a term used to describe a belief that has sufficient justification to be rationally held. The distinction between warranted and unwarranted beliefs is central to debates about justification and knowledge.

Etymology: the word warrant comes from Old French warrant, via Middle English, ultimately from Latin warrantum meaning protection, guarantee, or authorization.

See also: warrant, warranty, unwarranted, warranting.