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

This ruling is a big step toward ending the abuse of civil forfeiture nationwide. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Santos must pay restitution of nearly $374,000 and forfeiture of more than $200,000 under the terms of his plea deal. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 8 Jan. 2025

The Women's Rights Network (WRN) put out a statement on Monday, calling for not only the forfeiture of the February championship match, but any sports competition against an Afghanistan national team. —Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 1 Jan. 2025

The largest portion of the fund for Madoff’s victims, about $2.2 billion, came from a civil forfeiture recovery from the estate of Jeffry Picower, a now-dead Madoff investor, the DOJ said. —Dan Mangan, CNBC, 30 Dec. 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