Forfeit
/ˈfɔːrfɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo lose something or give something up as a consequence of an action or failure to act.
/ˈfɔːrfɪt/
To lose or be deprived of something as a penalty for wrongdoing or negligence.
He forfeited his passport after overstaying his visa.
💡 Simply: Imagine you broke the rules in a game. The 'forfeit' is what you have to give up or lose because of that, like points or a turn.
👶 For kids: To lose something because you did something wrong, like losing a game because you cheated.
More Examples
The player forfeited the match after receiving two warnings.
Due to poor performance, the team forfeited the match.
If you don't pay on time, you will forfeit your right to claim the product.
How It's Used
"The company forfeited its right to the property due to unpaid taxes."
"The team forfeited the game because they didn't have enough players."
Something that is lost or given up as a penalty.
/ˈfɔːrfɪt/
Something that is forfeited.
The punishment included the forfeit of his driving license.
💡 Simply: The thing you lose because you messed up, like paying a fine or having to do a silly dare.
👶 For kids: The thing you have to give up or do because you broke the rules or lost a game.
More Examples
They were forced to pay a substantial forfeit.
The forfeit for the losing team was to clean up after the event.
The judge ruled for the immediate forfeit of the illegal weapons.
How It's Used
"The court ordered the forfeiture of the illegal gains."
"As a forfeit, she had to sing a song."
Idioms & expressions
forfeit something to someone
To lose something to a person or entity as a result of breaking a rule, failing to meet an obligation, or other cause.
"The company forfeited its profits to the government due to tax fraud."
forfeit a right
To lose or give up a privilege or entitlement through failure to act or violation of rules.
"If you fail to pay on time, you will forfeit your right to redeem your coupons."
From Old French forfaire, meaning 'to commit an offense, to lose through an offense'. It's a combination of for- ('completely, utterly') + faire ('to do').
The word 'forfeit' has been used since the 13th century, initially with legal contexts, signifying a loss or surrender due to an offense or failure.
Memory tip
Think of 'forget' and 'fit' - if you forget to do something, you may forfeit your right to do it.