Meaning of waive in English

1. Pronunciation

   /weɪv/

   US accent

   How to pronounce waive in American English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

   UK accent

   How to pronounce waive in British English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

1. Verb

   waive

   Etymology

   Middle English (originally as a legal term relating to removal of the protection of the law): from an Anglo-Norman French variant of Old French gaiver‘allow to become a waif, abandon’

   Definitions

   1. do without or cease to hold or adhere to

   Examples

   • « We are dispensing with formalities »
   • « relinquish the old ideas »
2. 2. lose or lose the right to by some error, offense, or crime

   Antonyms

   • claim
   • lay claim
   • arrogate