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 a filing last week, Santos’s team noted he is required to pay a forfeiture money judgment 30 days prior to sentencing. —Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025

The infamous Long Island fabulist needs revenue from the podcast to pay the $205,000 in forfeiture cash that would be due a month before sentencing, his lawyers wrote in a letter to Federal Court Judge Joanna Seybert. —John Annese, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2025

Additional penalties of forfeiture and restitution from Ozy Media will be imposed at a later date. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024

Prosecutors had sought a 17-year sentence and a multimillion-dollar forfeiture to the government. —Rob Wile, NBC News, 16 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