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

Potential punishments would include fines, suspensions, forfeiture of draft picks and termination of Leonard’s contract with the Clippers. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2025

Pocknett had several arguments against the seizure and the forfeiture. —Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025

In addition to serving time, he was also ordered to pay a criminal forfeiture of $5 million, which included $100,000 in gold and silver coins, a Porsche Panamera, two Range Rovers, luxury watches, homes in Costa Rica, Peru and Cabo San Lucas and a sailboat. —Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025

That includes Texas, where police and prosecutors continue to use forfeiture laws, meaning travelers out of DFW International Airport or Dallas Love Field could face the same risks. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 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