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

After its forfeiture to Van Alstyne, Gainesville will fall to 0-9 and 0-4 in District 6-4A Division II. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2026

In addition to Lynch’s Eighth Amendment ruling, Andreano cited a ruling by Will County Judge Brian Barrett, who dismissed the final forfeiture case against Keranen and Regnier in January and called the state’s actions disturbing. — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Matt Noonan, a Massachusetts sports content creator with Noontime Media, said the recent forfeitures are part of a broader trend that has been developing for years. — Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

The judge rejected Bennett’s requests for punitive damages and forfeiture of all the compensation Corcoran received during the period of the breaches, which would have amounted to most of his $10 million in earnings. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 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