Waiver
/ˈweɪvər/
nounB2
Definition
A waiver means a person agrees not to use a right or make a claim about something. It is often a written paper that says someone will not blame or complain about a certain situation or problem. People sign waivers to accept risks or give permission without asking later.
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⚡ See It in Action
A document giving up a legal right or claim
- •Before the race, all runners signed a waiver to accept the risks.
- •The company asked customers to sign a waiver before using the equipment.
- •She signed a waiver to avoid any responsibility if the trip was canceled.
The act of giving up a right or claim, often in legal or official situations
- •The player received a waiver to skip the usual waiting period.
- •He requested a waiver to avoid paying the fee.
- •The school granted a waiver for the late application.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "waiver" like "permission," but permission where you also say "I will not complain or blame later."
- ✓Picture signing a paper before playing a sport that says, "If I get hurt, I will not blame anyone."
- ✓It's the feeling when you agree to take responsibility yourself and not ask for help or money later.
- ✓Sounds like "wave-er" → imagine waving goodbye to your right to complain or ask for something back.
- ✓Remember when you go to an amusement park and sign a paper saying you accept the risks — that paper is a waiver.
- ✓NOT like "complaint" (which is about saying something is wrong)—a waiver stops complaints before they start.
- ✓NOT like "contract" (which is an agreement about what to do)—a waiver is about giving up rights or claims.
- ✓NOT like "permission" alone—waiver includes giving up a right, not just allowing something.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Release: a document or statement that frees someone from responsibility (Use when focusing on freedom from blame or legal responsibility)
- •Exemption: official permission to not follow a rule or pay a fee (Use when someone is excused from a requirement)
- •Consent: agreement to do something (Use when the focus is on agreeing, not on giving up rights)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: root "waive" + suffix "-er" (person or thing that does the action)
- •Etymology: From Old French "waiver" meaning to renounce or give up
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 15th century to mean giving up rights or claims
- •Modern usage: Common in legal, sports, and official documents where people give up rights or accept risks
- •Key insight: A waiver is about choosing not to use a right or claim, often to allow something else to happen safely or fairly
💭 Reflect & Connect
•When might it be important to sign a waiver, and what could happen if you don’t?
•How does giving a waiver affect your rights and responsibilities in different situations?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.Before joining the gym, members must sign a waiver to ___ any injuries that might happen during exercise.
2.A waiver usually means you agree not to ___ the company or person if something goes wrong.
3.Unlike a simple permission, a waiver involves giving up your ___ to complain or ask for money later.
4.The school gave her a fee waiver, which means she does not have to ___ the usual payment.
5.When you sign a waiver, you are saying you understand the ___ and accept the risks involved.
6.If someone refuses to sign a waiver, they might not be allowed to ___ certain activities.
7.A waiver can sometimes be used to skip rules, but it is not the same as ___ permission to do anything.