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

Initially, the reserve would be small, made up of the bitcoin the federal government has seized from criminal operations or received in civil forfeitures. —Laurent Belsie, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Mar. 2025

Howell also ordered a forfeiture of over $6 billion as part of the sentence. —CBS News, 7 Mar. 2025

The order prohibits acquiring bitcoin outside of forfeiture proceedings unless further legislative action is taken. —Becca Bratcher, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

The main source of both will be assets that the government has or will seize in criminal proceedings or civil forfeitures. —Brady Dale, Axios, 7 Mar. 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