Estopped

/ɛˈstɒpt/ verb

Definition

Past tense of estop; prevented from making a legal argument because your earlier words or actions contradict it.

Etymology

From estop (to bar or prevent by estoppel) + -ed past tense marker. The verb estop emerged in English legal terminology in the 15th century, borrowed from Old French estopper.

Kelly Says

Courts use estoppel as a fairness tool—if you misled someone and they acted based on that, you can't flip the script. It's how law enforces the idea that your words have consequences.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.