English Dictionary

Definition of “forfeit”

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forfeit (ˈfɔːfɪtPronunciation for forfeit) 

Definitions

noun

  1. something lost or given up as a penalty for a fault, mistake, etc
  2. the act of losing or surrendering something in this manner
  3. law something confiscated as a penalty for an offence, breach of contract, etc
  4. (sometimes plural)
    1. a game in which a player has to give up an object, perform a specified action, etc, if he commits a fault
    2. an object so given up

verb

  1. (tr) to lose or be liable to lose in consequence of a mistake, fault, etc
  2. (tr) law 
    1. to confiscate as punishment
    2. to surrender (something exacted as a penalty)

adjective

  1. surrendered or liable to be surrendered as a penalty

Alternative Forms

ˈforfeitable adjective ˈforfeiter noun

Word Origin

C13: from Old French forfet  offence, from forfaire  to commit a crime, from Medieval Latin foris facere  to act outside (what is lawful), from Latin foris  outside + facere to do

Usage examples

  • But by all rights the lands of a lord who loses a trial by combat are forfeit , to be reassigned by his overlord.
    Kerr, Katharine, A Time of War (1993)
  • Under the circumstances, the company would almost certainly have to forfeit a large bid-bond guarantee.
    India Today (1996)
  • Res: Roopena 15.13 d Central Whyalla 2.6; Weeroona Bay d North Whyalla ( forfeit ).
    The Advertiser, Sunday Mail (2004)
  • Scum who break in to other people's houses should forfeit their rights the minute they illegally enter.
    Sun, News of the World (2004)
  • `I think he should forfeit most of his pocket money," said Sophie.
    Bethune, Helen, Positive Parent Power (1991)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'F'

Related Terms

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