forfeit rights

/ˈfɔːr.fɪt raɪts/
lose or give up legal rights

The company forfeited its rights after failing to comply with regulations.

The company lost its legal rights because it did not follow the rules.


Law
formal

To lose or surrender legal rights, often as a penalty or consequence of a violation.

The athlete forfeited his rights to compete after testing positive for banned substances.

The athlete lost his right to compete because he failed a drug test.

The tenant forfeited his rights to the property by not paying rent for six months.

The tenant lost his right to the property because he did not pay rent for half a year.

This phrase is commonly used in legal contexts, particularly in contracts, sports, and property law.

Collocations

forfeit rights toto lose or give up rights over something specificforfeit rights underto lose rights as specified by a law or agreement

Related Phrases

waive rightsphrase
to voluntarily give up rights
abdicate rightsphrase
to formally renounce rights

Pro Tip

Legal Context

This phrase is most commonly used in legal documents, contracts, and court proceedings.

Gold Rule

Formal Usage

Use 'forfeit rights' in formal or legal contexts, not in casual conversation.

Word Origin

The verb 'forfeit' comes from Old French 'forfait,' meaning 'a crime or misdeed,' from 'forfaire,' meaning 'to do wrong.' The phrase 'forfeit rights' combines this with 'rights,' referring to legal entitlements.

Usage Notes

This phrase is formal and typically used in legal or contractual contexts. It implies a loss of rights due to a violation or failure to meet obligations.

Word Breakdown

forfeit
to lose or give up something as a penalty
root
+
rights
legal entitlements or privileges
root
English Dictionary