WordValeestoppel
a bar preventing someone from contradicting a prior position
In more detail
1. (noun) a legal principle that prevents someone from denying or asserting something in court if they previously said or did something different that caused another person to rely on it and suffer harm
Examples
- The company cannot deny the contract exists because the employee relied on their promise to sign it—that would be estoppel.
How to use estoppel
Estoppel is a technical legal doctrine used to prevent unjust outcomes when someone has induced reliance through their words or conduct. It operates as both a substantive right and a procedural bar, preventing contradictory positions in litigation. The term appears primarily in legal writing and formal court proceedings rather than everyday English.
Common phrases
- estoppel by conduct
- equitable estoppel
- promissory estoppel
- raise an estoppel
- defense of estoppel
Synonyms
legal bar · preclusion · waiver of rights
Word family
estop (verb) · estopped (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse estoppel with a simple contract or agreement, when it is actually a principle that prevents unfair legal outcomes even without a formal contract or mutual promise.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD