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

The Reserve will be capitalized with Bitcoin owned by the federal government that was forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025

According to its website, the team is composed of attorneys from across the Justice Department, including prosecutors with backgrounds in cryptocurrency, cybercrime, money laundering and forfeiture. —Josh Meyer, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025

He was ordered to pay $205,000 in forfeiture, in addition to $375,000 in restitution but still hasn’t submitted payments for either fine. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 5 Apr. 2025

As part of his plea deal, Santos agreed to pay nearly $375,000 in restitution and $205,000 in forfeiture. —Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 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