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 of forfeiture

• penalty
• fine
• damages

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

Tony has not clarified whether the $35,000 agency expenditure was drawn directly from taxpayer money or from alternative department funding streams, such as law enforcement forfeitures, seizures or fines. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026

On top of the money, the office’s Asset Recovery team also obtained a forfeiture order for more than 100 wildlife specimens, which included the orangutan skull, a tiger skull, a jaguar skin, and other parts of endangered animals. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 6 Nov. 2026

Three of the other cars — a Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Huracán and Rolls Royce Cullinan — were excluded from forfeiture because Delgado had stopped making payments on them. — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

Arrington and Rogers also agreed to the forfeiture of the vehicle. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for forfeiture

• nonforfeiture

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