Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

estopped

adjective

/ɪˈstɒpt/

Definition

A legal term that prevents a person from arguing something contrary to a claim made or settled previously, especially if it would be unfair to a party who relied on the original claim.

Examples

The defendant was estopped from denying the validity of the contract after having accepted its terms for years.
Because of her previous testimony, she was estopped from changing her story in court.

Meaning

When someone is estopped, they are barred from presenting a particular argument or claim because of their previous actions or statements that contradict it.