waiver

American  

[wey-ver] / ˈweɪ vər /

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.

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waiver British  

/ 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

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of waiver

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

Explanation

A waiver is a formal statement giving up a right. If you go on a school trip, your mom might sign a waiver saying that the school is not responsible if you get hurt on the trip. When you sign a waiver, you’re voluntarily giving up a privilege or legal right. A waiver is often required before you participate in something dangerous. If you decide to go skydiving, you might have to sign a waiver agreeing that you won’t sue the skydiving company if you get injured. That means you’re assuming all the risk associated with the activity. Other types of waivers can involve officially declining various rights, such as a privacy waiver or an insurance waiver.

Example Sentences

“LADOT has now received all verified legal documents and submitted them to our citation processing contractor to initiate the waiver process for the citation per the court order.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

It is possible the court will find a narrow way through, perhaps saying little about Batson’s substance while resolving the waiver question on technical grounds.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Moscow has since granted soldiers a temporary waiver to continue using Telegram.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Environmental Protection Agency will issue an emergency waiver on nationwide sales of E15 gasoline—a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline—during the summer driving season starting May 1.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

A full-tuition waiver would require a near-perfect GPA.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Related Words

• postponement
• remission