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

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