¹forfeit

noun for·feit \ˈfȯr-fət\

: something that is lost or given up as punishment or because of a rule or law

Full Definition of FORFEIT

: something forfeited or subject to being forfeited (as for a crime, offense, or neglect of duty) : penalty

: forfeiture especially of civil rights

a : something deposited (as for making a mistake in a game) and then redeemed on payment of a fine

b plural : a game in which forfeits are exacted

See forfeit defined for English-language learners

See forfeit defined for kids

Origin of FORFEIT

Middle English forfait, from Anglo-French, from past participle of forfaire, forsfaire to commit a crime, forfeit, from fors outside (from Latin foris) + faire to do, from Latin facere — more at forum, do

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FORFEIT

Synonyms: damages, fine, forfeiture, mulct, penalty

²forfeit

verb

: to lose or give up (something) as a punishment or because of a rule or law

Full Definition of FORFEIT

transitive verb

: to lose or lose the right to especially by some error, offense, or crime

: to subject to confiscation as a forfeit; also : abandon, give up

— for·feit·able \-fə-tə-bəl\ adjective

— for·feit·er noun

See forfeit defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of FORFEIT

14th century

³forfeit

adjective

: given up or taken away as a punishment or because of a rule or law

Full Definition of FORFEIT

: forfeited or subject to forfeiture

See forfeit defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of FORFEIT

14th century

FORFEITED Defined for Kids

¹forfeit

verb for·feit \ˈfȯr-fət\

for·feit·edfor·feit·ing

Definition of FORFEIT for Kids

: to lose or lose the right to as punishment for a fault, error, or crime <“If we stop now, we'll have to forfeit the match!” said Harry. — J. K. Rowling, Chamber of Secrets>