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

In large part because of those forfeitures, San Jose State earned the No. 2 seed and a tournament bye into the conference semifinal. —Will Despart, The Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2024

The office released a partial version of the list that only included officers who were charged with a crime or forfeiture action. —Daphne Chen, Journal Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024

In a press release last week, the Southern District of New York (SDNY) announced that a district judge confirmed a private owner's forfeiture of the Di Gara text, which dates back to the 16th century. —Andrea Margolis, Fox News, 14 Oct. 2024

There’s plenty of real-world evidence of how easily civil forfeiture can be abused. —Andrew Wimer, Forbes, 20 Sep. 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