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

Leavitt said an investigative team is on the ground as the tanker undergoes the forfeiture process. —Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 11 Dec. 2025

Relax Relief Rejuvenate Trading could contest the forfeiture, as could Shaman Botanicals. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 3 Dec. 2025

The car, now held in federal custody, could be liquidated at auction pending a legal forfeiture process if Wedding or his associates are convicted. —Matt Cannon, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

The men were ordered to pay a total of $4,571,800 in restitution to the Michigan Department of Transportation, along with forfeitures totaling $4,073,200, the district attorney's office said. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 21 Nov. 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