forfeit

/ˈfɔːr.fɪt/
nounverbIntermediate
general

A penalty or loss incurred due to a rule violation or failure to meet obligations.

The player was disqualified and had to forfeit his prize money.

Because of breaking the rules, the player lost his prize money.

💡

Often used in sports, legal, or financial contexts.

general

To lose or give up something as a penalty or consequence.

She forfeited her rights to the property by not paying the taxes.

She lost her rights to the property because she didn't pay the taxes.

💡

Can be used as a verb or noun.

Collocations

forfeit a matchlose a game due to rules violationforfeit rightslose legal or contractual rightsforfeit moneylose money as a penalty

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

forfeit the gamephrase
lose a game due to rules violation
forfeit one's rightsphrase
lose legal or contractual rights

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'forfeit' when something is lost as a penalty or consequence.

Gold Rule

Verb vs. Noun

'Forfeit' can be both a verb (to lose) and a noun (the penalty).

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'forfait' (felony, crime), from 'forfaire' (to do wrong), from 'for-' (completely) + 'faire' (to do).

📝Usage Notes

Common in legal, sports, and financial contexts. Often used in formal or official settings.

Word Breakdown

for-
completely
prefix
+
-feit
to do
root
English Dictionary