Waiver: meaning, definitions and examples

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waiver

[ˈweɪvər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal document

A waiver is an official document that shows that someone has given up a right or claim. It is commonly used in legal situations to release a party from liability.

Synonyms

disclaimer, exemption, release.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
waiver	Typically used in legal or formal situations when someone gives up a right or claim, often in written form. She signed a waiver before participating in the extreme sports event The company required a waiver of liability for all participants
release	Often used in legal and medical contexts to indicate the relinquishing of a claim or the permission to disclose certain information. He signed a release form to allow the publication of his photographs The patient authorized a release of his medical records to the new doctor
exemption	Used when someone is freed from an obligation, rule, or duty, usually formally or legally. Students with medical conditions can apply for an exemption from gym class Certain charities are eligible for tax exemptions
disclaimer	Used to indicate a statement that denies responsibility intended to protect the author or organization against potential legal claims. The disclaimer at the beginning of the movie stated that it was purely fictional There is a disclaimer on the website about the accuracy of the information

Examples of usage

He signed a waiver before participating in the extreme sports event.
The company required all employees to sign a waiver acknowledging the risks involved.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

legal context

To waive means to voluntarily give up a right or claim. It is often done by signing a waiver or verbally expressing the decision to not enforce a particular right.

Synonyms

abandon, forgo, relinquish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
waiver	Used when someone officially gives up a right or claim, often in a legal or formal setting. He signed a waiver to participate in the extreme sports event. The company issued a waiver for late payments due to the pandemic.
relinquish	Used when someone lets go of something or gives it up, often because it is required or necessary to do so. He had to relinquish control of the company due to health issues. She relinquished her claim to the inheritance.
forgo	Used when willingly giving up or not doing something that is usually desirable or necessary. She decided to forgo dessert to stay on her diet. He chose to forgo the opportunity to travel overseas.
abandon	Used when someone leaves something or someone completely, often suggesting that they are unwilling to return. They had to abandon the sinking ship. She abandoned her dreams of becoming a dancer.

Examples of usage

She decided to waive her right to a jury trial.
The landlord agreed to waive the late fee for the tenant.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'waiver' comes from the Middle English 'waiveren', which means to abandon or relinquish.
This term is derived from the Old French ‘esvaier’, which means to evade.
Its roots can be traced back to Latin 'ab-ire', meaning to go away from, signifying the act of moving away from a legal right.

Legal Perspectives

In the legal context, waivers are commonly used in contracts to protect parties from liability.
One of the most famous examples of waivers is the release forms athletes often sign before participating in sports.
Waivers can only be upheld if they are clear and explicit about what rights are being relinquished.

Cultural Impact

Many adventure sports and activities, such as skydiving or bungee jumping, often require participants to sign waivers to prevent lawsuits.
The practice of using waivers has sparked debates about personal responsibility vs. institutional liability in modern society.
Waivers are a popular issuance in various fields, from healthcare to travel, demonstrating their broad cultural significance.

Psychology

The act of signing a waiver can influence individuals’ perception of risk, often making them feel safer than they actually are.
Understanding waivers requires a level of cognitive processing about rights, choices, and consequences.
Some studies suggest that people may misunderstand the implications of waivers, leading to unintended consequences in their decision-making.

Examples in Literature

Waivers appear in famous literary works as pivotal points in character development, illustrating the decisions people make regarding their freedoms.
In many stories, the act of waiving rights can signify deeper themes of sacrifice or betrayal, adding complexity to character motivations.
Literature often uses the concept of waivers to explore moral dilemmas faced by characters when they give up something valuable.

Translations

Translations of the word "waiver" in other languages:

🇵🇹 renúncia

desistência
isenção

🇮🇳 छूट

माफी
त्याग

🇩🇪 Verzicht

Verzichtserklärung
Erlass

🇮🇩 pembebasan

pengabaian
pengecualian

🇺🇦 відмова

відмова від претензій
звільнення

🇵🇱 zrzeczenie się

zrzeczenie
zwolnienie

🇯🇵 権利放棄

免除
放棄

🇫🇷 renonciation

dérogation
exonération

🇪🇸 renuncia

exención
dispensa

🇹🇷 feragat

vazgeçme
muafiyet

🇰🇷 포기

면제
포기서

🇸🇦 تنازل

إعفاء
استثناء

🇨🇿 zřeknutí se

vzdání se
výjimka

🇸🇰 zrieknutie sa

vzdanie sa
výnimka

🇨🇳 放弃

豁免
免除

🇸🇮 odstop

odpoved
izvzetje

🇮🇸 afsal

undantekning
undanþága

🇰🇿 бас тарту

босату
жеңілдік

🇬🇪 უარი

გათავისუფლება
გამონაკლისი

🇦🇿 imtina

azadolma
istisna

🇲🇽 renuncia

exención
dispensa

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,030 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6027 fellows
6028 notification
6029 preserving
6030 waiver
6031 completing
6032 skull
6033 cooled
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