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

• 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

As of today, more than $300,000 has been recovered through judicial forfeiture from Gill and his co-defendants, a release said. —Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 5 Aug. 2025

As part of civil forfeiture proceedings related to the dogs in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, federal prosecutors filed documents this week detailing information from an investigation at the residence of Vinol Wilson in the 8500 block of Hillcrest Road, where the dogs were seized in May. —Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2025

When federal prosecutors unsealed their indictment against Combs in September, the allegations called for the forfeiture of his assets in the event of a conviction. —Megan Forrester, ABC News, 2 July 2025

Criminal exposure can include prison terms of up to 10 years per count, fines of up to $500,000 per count and forfeiture of assets. —Stuart Anderson, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

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