waive
/weɪv/
VERB
1. Voluntarily giving up a right or claim
To voluntarily relinquish, surrender, or forgo a legal right, privilege, claim, or entitlement.
1.1. Relinquishing legal rights
Formally giving up a legal right, privilege, or claim that one is entitled to exercise.
Synonyms
- relinquish
- renounce
- surrender
- forgo
- abjure
- cede
Antonyms
- retain
- assert
- claim
- exercise
Examples
- She decided to waive her right to a jury trial.
- The defendant agreed to waive his right to remain silent.
Related Words
1.2. Giving up fees or financial claims
Choosing not to collect a fee, payment, penalty, or other amount that one is entitled to receive.
Synonyms
- forgo
- relinquish
- remit
- dispense with
- give up
Antonyms
- collect
- charge
- claim
- demand
Examples
- The company agreed to waive the late payment fee.
- The university may waive application fees for eligible students.
Related Words
- exempt
- cancel
- forgive
- discount
- reimbursement
1.3. Exempting someone from a requirement
Officially allowing someone not to comply with a rule, condition, qualification, or obligation that would normally apply.
Synonyms
- exempt
- dispense with
- excuse
- release
- relieve
Antonyms
Examples
- The professor agreed to waive the prerequisite for the advanced course.
- The government may waive visa requirements for certain visitors.
Related Words
VERB
2. Setting aside or avoiding something
To put something aside, refrain from applying it, or choose not to insist on it.
2.1. Setting aside a rule or condition
Choosing not to apply or insist on a particular rule, condition, or formality in a specific situation.
Synonyms
- set aside
- disregard
- forego
- dispense with
- bypass
Antonyms
Examples
- The committee decided to waive the usual formalities.
- The manager may waive the standard procedure in exceptional circumstances.
Related Words
- suspend
- override
- relax
- exception
- deviation
VERB
3. Abandoning or giving up someone or something
To abandon, forsake, or give up a person or thing.
3.1. Abandoning someone or something
Leaving someone or something behind or ceasing to support, care for, or remain committed to them.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- support
- protect
- remain with
- stand by
Examples
- He would never waive his responsibilities toward his family.
- The old expression describes someone who waives a companion in difficult circumstances.
Related Words
- withdraw
- disown
- relinquish
- forsakenness
- neglect
NOUN
4. A woman outlawed or excluded from legal protection
A historical noun referring to a woman placed outside the protection of the law.
4.1. Historical legal status
A woman who has been outlawed and is therefore excluded from the protection normally provided by law.
Synonyms
- outlaw
- outlawed woman
Examples
- In the historical account, the waive was denied the protection of the law.
Related Words
- exile
- fugitive
- outlawry
- legal protection
NOUN
5. A waif or castaway
A historical or archaic noun referring to a waif or a person abandoned or left without care.
5.1. An abandoned or homeless person
Referring to someone who has been abandoned, left helpless, or cast adrift without support.
Synonyms
Examples
- The old text used waive to describe a helpless castaway.