forfeiture

noun

for·​fei·​ture ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər,

-ˌt(y)u̇r

1

: the act of forfeiting : the loss of property or money because of a breach of a legal obligation

assets subject to forfeiture

2

: something (such as money or property) that is forfeited : penalty

Synonyms

• damages
• fine
• forfeit
• mulct
• penalty

Examples of forfeiture in a Sentence

the forfeiture for early withdrawal of the investment savings will be an amount equal to 10 percent of the investment

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Cornell Law School, civil forfeiture comes from English law and was popular both in the days of Prohibition, when law enforcement would seize the property of bootleggers in order to slow the production and sale of alcohol, and during the War on Drugs in the 1980s. —Samantha Stutsman, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2024

In Georgia alone, law enforcement officials forfeited over $51 million and spent $37 million from forfeiture funds between 2015 and 2018, according to a 2022 study. —Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 6 Sep. 2024

That forfeiture increases by 1% each day Reddick is absent for training camp up to 25%. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2024

He was extradited to the US in 2021, was found guilty at trial, and was sentenced to nine years in prison and the forfeiture of $34 million. —Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 2 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

forfeiture

noun

for·​fei·​ture ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇(ə)r 

-chər

1

: the act of forfeiting

2

: something forfeited : penalty

Legal Definition

forfeiture

noun

for·​fei·​ture ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇r 

1

: the loss of a right, money, or especially property because of one's criminal act, default, or failure or neglect to perform a duty compare waiver

2

: something (as money or property) that is forfeited as a penalty