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forfeit
/ˈfɔːr.fɪt/
something given up as a penalty or lost due to a rule violation
The team forfeited the game after failing to show up on time.
They lost the game automatically because they didn't arrive in time.
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
Related Phrases
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
rootEnglish Dictionary