Logo
Search icon

forfeit

/ˈfɔː.fɪt/

noun

Meaning

  • A penalty for or consequence of a misdemeanor.

  • A thing forfeited; that which is taken from somebody in requital of a misdeed committed; that which is lost, or the right to which is alienated, by a crime, breach of contract, etc.

    "He who murders pays the forfeit of his own life."

  • Something deposited and redeemable by a sportive fine as part of a game.

  • Injury; wrong; mischief.

verb

Meaning

  • To suffer the loss of something by wrongdoing or non-compliance

    "He forfeited his last chance of an early release from jail by repeatedly attacking another inmate."

  • To lose a contest, game, match, or other form of competition by voluntary withdrawal, by failing to attend or participate, or by violation of the rules

    "Because only nine players were present, the football team was forced to forfeit the game."

  • To be guilty of a misdeed; to be criminal; to transgress.

  • To fail to keep an obligation.

Synonyms

capitulate,
disqualify,
surrender,
forgo,
withgo

adjective

Meaning

  • Lost or alienated for an offense or crime; liable to penal seizure.