What is the term for a promise made by one person to another to perform or refrain from performing a specific act?

The term "covenant" refers to a formal agreement or promise made by one party to another to either perform a particular action or refrain from performing a specific act. This term is often used in legal contexts, particularly in contracts and real estate, where parties agree to certain obligations that may have enforceable consequences.

Covenants can be seen in various types of contracts, including those involving property, where one party might agree to maintain a specific standard of conditions or not to undertake certain actions that could negatively affect others' rights. The binding nature of a covenant distinguishes it from more informal agreements or pledges, which may not have the same legal weight.

While "pledge," "agreement," and "restriction" have their own meanings, they do not capture the specific legal connotation that "covenant" carries within contractual obligations. "Pledge," for instance, often refers to a promise of support or commitment but lacks the legal enforceability inherent in a covenant. "Agreement" is a broader term that encompasses any mutual understanding between parties, which could include covenants but is not limited to them. Finally, "restriction" implies a limitation but does not necessarily encompass the commitment to perform or refrain from an act as a covenant does.