forfeit

 
Pronunciation: /ˈfɔːfɪt/

verb (forfeits, forfeiting, forfeited)

[with object]
  • lose or be deprived of (property or a right or privilege) as a penalty for wrongdoing: those unable to meet their taxes were liable to forfeit their estates
  • lose or give up (something) as a necessary consequence of something else: she didn’t mind forfeiting an hour in bed to muck out the horses

noun

  • a fine or penalty for wrongdoing: the loser must pay a forfeit
  • Law an item of property or a right or privilege lost as a legal penalty.
  • (forfeits) a game in which trivial penalties are exacted for minor misdemeanours.
  • [mass noun] the action of forfeiting something.

adjective

[predic.]
  • lost or surrendered as a penalty for wrongdoing: his possessions were declared forfeit

Derivatives

forfeitable

adjective

forfeiter

noun

Origin:

Middle English (originally denoting a crime or transgression, hence a fine): from Old French forfet, forfait, past participle of forfaire 'transgress', from for- 'out' (from Latin foris 'outside') + faire 'do' (from Latin facere)

Spelling help

Remember that forfeit is spelled with the e before the i.

you may forfeit your entire income.