Word/Phrase: Waiver

Associations

A "waiver" is a document that shows someone is giving up their right to something, usually legal rights. It is often used in situations where a person agrees not to hold someone responsible for something. You can think of it as a way of saying, "I won't ask you for this if something goes wrong."

• Example 1: Signing a waiver at a sports facility. If you go skydiving, you might have to sign a waiver that says you won't sue them if you get hurt while skydiving.
• Example 2: A medical waiver form. If you're participating in a study, you might need to sign a waiver that states you understand the risks and won’t blame the researchers if something goes wrong.
• Example 3: A credit card waiver. Sometimes, companies may ask you to sign a waiver to not charge late fees in exchange for something else.

The common synonym for “waiver” is “release.” The important difference is that “release” often refers to freeing someone from an obligation, while “waiver” specifically implies giving up a right or claim.

Substitution

If you want to express a similar idea with different words, you can use:

• Release: This could refer to freeing someone from responsibility, like in a legal context or obligation.
• Exemption: This word suggests being free from a duty or liability.
• Disclaimer: This is often used to show that someone is not responsible for certain actions or situations.

Using different words may change the focus. For example, "release" focuses more on freeing someone from responsibility, while "waiver" emphasizes giving up a right.