forfeit

¹for·feit

noun \ˈfȯr-fət\

Definition of FORFEIT

1

: something forfeited or subject to being forfeited (as for a crime, offense, or neglect of duty) : penalty

2

: forfeiture especially of civil rights

3

a : something deposited (as for making a mistake in a game) and then redeemed on payment of a fine

b plural : a game in which forfeits are exacted

Examples of FORFEIT

1. <the forfeit for each baseball player involved in the brawl was $5,000>

Origin of FORFEIT

Middle English forfait, from Anglo-French, from past participle of forfaire, forsfaire to commit a crime, forfeit, from fors outside (from Latin foris) + faire to do, from Latin facere — more at forum, do

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FORFEIT

Synonyms

damages, fine, forfeiture, mulct, penalty

Related Words

reparations; assessment, award, compensation; indemnity

²forfeit

transitive verb

Definition of FORFEIT

1

: to lose or lose the right to especially by some error, offense, or crime

2

: to subject to confiscation as a forfeit; also : abandon, give up

— for·feit·able \-fə-tə-bəl\ adjective

— for·feit·er noun

Examples of FORFEIT

1. He forfeited his right to a trial by jury.
2. They didn't have enough players, so they ended up having to forfeit.

First Known Use of FORFEIT

14th century

³forfeit

adjective

Definition of FORFEIT

: forfeited or subject to forfeiture

First Known Use of FORFEIT

14th century