waiver

[ wey-ver ]

noun

1. Law.
   1. an intentional relinquishment of some right, interest, or the like.
   2. an express or written statement of such relinquishment.
2. Sports. an arrangement under which a professional player is released to become available to join a different team, which must then assume the player’s existing contract.

waiver

/ ˈweɪvə /

noun

1. the voluntary relinquishment, expressly or by implication, of some claim or right
2. the act or an instance of relinquishing a claim or right
3. a formal statement in writing of such relinquishment

Word History and Origins

Origin of waiver¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Anglo-French weyver, noun use of weyver to waive; -er ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of waiver¹

C17: from Old Northern French weyver to relinquish, waive

Example Sentences

The courts invalidated work requirement waivers President Trump granted to three red states.

From Los Angeles Times

Expect new efforts to revoke California’s waivers to set tougher vehicle emissions standards, several of which have yet to be approved by Biden’s EPA.

From Los Angeles Times

At the top of his agenda: pushing the Environmental Protection Agency to give the green light on waivers so that the state’s more stringent vehicle emissions standards can take effect.

From Los Angeles Times

Running back Hassan Haskins, who the Chargers claimed off waivers from the Titans in August, scored his first professional touchdown, jumping over the pile in the fourth quarter for a one-yard score.

From Los Angeles Times

Environmental Protection Agency must still approve waivers to make these rules effective.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• postponement
• remission

More About Waiver

What is a waiver?

A waiver is an intentional or agreed upon release of your rights, usually in the form of a written contract.

In the law, to waive your rights or interests is to purposely give them up. A waiver is this intentional giving up or the form that records your decision.

Example: All you have to do to enter is to sign this waiver and give us your pass.

Where does waiver come from?

The first records of the term waiver come from around 1620. It comes from the Anglo-French weyver. It combines waive, meaning “to give up” and the suffix –er, which turns verbs into the doers of the verbs.

A person or organization that asks someone to sign a waiver is usually doing so to protect themselves legally. The signer is giving up rights or interests by signing, such as when your parents have to sign a waiver so you can play sports. If you are injured or harmed while playing, your parents give up the right to sue the sports organization.

You might also sign a waiver in order to use a web service or social media outlet. These waivers usually state that when you sign them, you give up your right to online privacy and allow your data to be collected.

Did you know … ?

What are some synonyms for waiver?

• postponement
• relinquishment
• remission

What are some words that share a root or word element with waiver? 

• waive
• waiver of premium

What are some words that often get used in discussing waiver?

• legal
• refuse
• interests
• rights

How is waiver used in real life?

Because waivers are usually a legal tool, the term is most often used in legal or official conversations.

My Waiver got denied… Thanks for all your support😔 It’s all in the Lord’s timing🙏🏽

— Luke Ford (@lukeford82) April 24, 2019

give boogie my achilles i'll sign a waiver right now idc

— tim cato (@tim_cato) January 27, 2018

Marie Curie's research papers are still highly radioactive to this day. To access them, you must sign a waiver and wear protective clothing.

— UberFacts (@UberFacts) January 20, 2014

 

 

Try using waiver!

Is waiver used correctly in the following sentence?

Before entering the laser game, you have to sign a waiver giving up your right to sue the company if you get hurt during the game.