estoppel
2 synonyms for estoppel, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A legal principle that stops a person from making a claim or denial that contradicts what they previously said or did, when someone else has relied on that earlier position to their cost.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use estoppel
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
promissory estoppel
estoppel by conduct
raise an estoppel
estoppel certificate
Strictly legal; it has no general use outside law.
Etymology
From Old French estoupail ('a stopper, bung'), from estoper ('to stop up'), the idea being that a party's own earlier conduct stops their mouth.
Full origin of estoppel →Frequently asked questions
What is promissory estoppel?
Promissory estoppel prevents someone from going back on a clear promise when the other person reasonably relied on it and would suffer harm if it were broken. It matters most where there was no formal contract, because it can make an otherwise unenforceable promise binding.
What is the difference between estoppel and a contract?
A contract creates obligations by agreement, usually supported by something given in exchange. Estoppel creates no new bargain; it simply blocks a party from asserting a fact or right that would be unfair given their own earlier words or conduct.
What has to be shown for estoppel to apply?
Broadly, three things: a clear representation, promise or course of conduct; reasonable reliance on it by the other party; and detriment or unfairness if the first party were now allowed to change position. The precise test varies by jurisdiction and by type of estoppel.
