What is estoppel definition?

Estoppel is a legal doctrine that prevents a person from denying or claiming something that has already been established as true. It is based on the principle of fairness and preventing injustice. Estoppel can arise in various situations, such as when someone makes a representation or promise, and another person relies on that representation or promise to their detriment. In such cases, the person who made the representation or promise is estopped from denying it. Estoppel can also arise when a party has remained silent or failed to act in a situation where they should have spoken or acted, and this silence or inaction led another party to believe something that is not true. Overall, estoppel is used to prevent a person from making an inconsistent or unfair assertion that would negatively impact another person's rights or interests.