waiver
n.-
1 a legal document (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate General-service Lawa piece of paper you sign to say you will not sue someone or that you accept a risk.
a written document that records the act of waiving a right or requirement, particularly regarding liability.
ExampleYou must sign a liability waiver before you can use the climbing wall.
ExampleParticipants were required to sign a standard waiver acknowledging the inherent risks of the expedition before departure.
UsageCommonly used with the verb 'to sign'.
PitfallI had to sign a waver before skydiving.I had to sign a waiver before skydiving.Do not confuse 'waiver' (the document) with 'waver' (to shake or hesitate).
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2 an exemption (n.) C1 Advanced Academic Formalspecial permission to ignore a rule or not pay a fee.
a grant of permission that allows a person or organisation to be exempt from a specific regulation or requirement.
ExampleThe university granted her a tuition waiver because of her excellent grades.
ExampleThe governor issued a waiver for certain environmental regulations to speed up the reconstruction of the bridge.
UsageOften used in administrative or educational contexts.
From Anglo-Norman weyver, from waiver. Date: 1628. By surface analysis, waive + -er.