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forfeit

/ˈfɔrfət/
/ˈfɔfɪt/
IPA guide

Other forms: forfeited; forfeits; forfeiting

Forfeit means to lose or give up something, usually as a penalty. If you don’t finish your homework and eat all your broccoli, you'll most likely forfeit your right to watch TV before going to bed.

An adjective, noun, and verb all rolled into one, forfeit came into existence around 1300 meaning “to lose by misconduct.” To forfeit is to lose or give up something as punishment for making an error. A forfeit is what is lost. You've probably heard of forfeiting a game or match — like when you don't show up with enough players or pick one too many fights with the opposing team.

Definitions of forfeit
  1. verb
    lose something or lose the right to something by some error, offense, or crime
    “you've forfeited your right to name your successor”
    forfeited property”
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    claim
    demand as being one's due or property; assert one's right or title to
    claim, take
    lay claim to; as of an idea
    types:
    lapse
    let slip
    type of:
    abandon
    forsake; leave behind
  2. noun
    something that is lost or surrendered as a penalty
    synonyms: forfeiture
    see moresee less
    type of:
    loss
    something that is lost
  3. noun
    a penalty for a fault or mistake that involves losing or giving up something
    “the contract specified forfeits if the work was not completed on time”
    synonyms: forfeiture
    see moresee less
    type of:
    penalty
    a payment required for not fulfilling a contract
  4. noun
    the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.
    synonyms: forfeiture, sacrifice
    see moresee less
    type of:
    act, deed, human action, human activity
    something that people do or cause to happen
  5. adjective
    surrendered as a penalty
    synonyms: confiscate, forfeited
    lost
    not gained or won
Pronunciation
US
/ˈfɔrfət/
UK
/ˈfɔfɪt/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘forfeit'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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