forfeiture
loss of property or rights as a penaltyThe athlete faced forfeiture of his prize money due to doping violations.
The athlete lost his prize money as a punishment for breaking the rules.
The loss or surrender of property or rights as a penalty for breaking a law or contract.
The court ordered the forfeiture of the defendant's assets due to money laundering.
The court took away the defendant's assets as punishment for illegal financial activities.
The tenant's security deposit was subject to forfeiture for damaging the property.
The tenant could lose their security deposit because they caused damage.
Common in legal contexts, often involving financial penalties or loss of property.
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Pro Tip
Legal Context
Forfeiture is often used in legal documents and court proceedings.
Gold Rule
Precision
Use 'forfeiture' for formal or legal contexts; 'loss' or 'penalty' for general use.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'forfeiture,' from Anglo-French 'forfaiture,' meaning 'a loss or penalty,' from 'forfait,' meaning 'a transgression.'
Usage Notes
Primarily used in legal contexts to describe the loss of property or rights due to a violation.