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

In November, the Department of Justice seized approximately 73,000 products containing 7-OH from three Kansas City warehouses operated by Sanders in connection to a civil forfeiture case. —Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2026

The indictment seeks the forfeiture of numerous financial accounts linked to the Rosens and their company, as well as their La Jolla home, which prosecutors allege was purchased with the proceeds of the fraud scheme. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

Oklahoma’s lax civil asset forfeiture laws have drawn scrutiny for decades. —Keaton Ross, Oklahoma Watch, 23 Jan. 2026

The federal Victims of Crime Act fund, or VOCA, is funded by fines, penalties and bond forfeitures from convictions in federal cases. —Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 21 Jan. 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