quitclaim
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈkwɪtˌkleɪm/
KK: /ˈkwɪtˌkleɪm/
noun
Definition
A legal document that transfers ownership or rights from one person to another without guaranteeing that the title is clear or free of claims.
Example
He signed a quitclaim to transfer his interest in the property to his brother.
Conversation
I heard you had to sign a quitclaim deed for that property.
Yeah, it was a bit complicated, but necessary.
What does a quitclaim actually mean in this context?
It means I gave up any claim I had to the property.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
transfer
relinquishment
waiver
Antonyms
claim
assertion
ownership
transitive verb
Definition
To give up or transfer all rights or claims to something, often in a legal context.
Example
He decided to quitclaim his interest in the property to his brother.
Tense Forms
Past: quitclaimed
Past Participle: quitclaimed
Conversation
Did you hear that Sam decided to quitclaim his share of the property?
No way! I didn’t think he would do that.
Yeah, he said it was too much of a hassle for him.
Root Explanation
Quitclaim is formed from "quit" (from Old French *quiter*, meaning to release or free) and "claim" (from Latin *clamare*, meaning to call out or declare). The word refers to a legal document that releases a claim or interest in property without guaranteeing the title.
Memory Tip
Think of 'releasing' ('quit') a 'claim' or interest in something — that's what quitclaim means.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.