forfeit

[ˈfɔːfɪt]

forfeit Definition

  • 1lose or be deprived of (property or a right or privilege) as a penalty for wrongdoing
  • 2a fine or penalty for wrongdoing or for a breach of the rules in a club or game

Using forfeit: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "forfeit" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He forfeited his right to a fair trial by fleeing the country.

  • Example

    The team had to forfeit the game due to a violation of league rules.

  • Example

    She had to forfeit her deposit when she canceled the reservation.

  • Example

    The defendant was ordered to pay a $10,000 forfeiture.

forfeit Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for forfeit

Antonyms for forfeit

Idioms Using forfeit

  • cut one's losses and forfeit the game

    to give up on a situation that is going badly and accept the consequences of failure

    Example

    After losing three key players to injury, the coach decided to cut his losses and forfeit the game.

  • forfeit one's soul

    to lose one's moral integrity or sense of self-respect

    Example

    He knew that if he took the bribe, he would be forfeiting his soul.

  • to lose the ability to express dissatisfaction or criticism due to one's own actions or choices

    Example

    If you don't vote, you forfeit the right to complain about the outcome of the election.

Phrases with forfeit

  • forfeit one's life

    to be executed for a crime committed

    Example

    The criminal was sentenced to forfeit his life for his heinous crimes.

  • to lose one's legal entitlements or privileges as a result of a particular action

    Example

    The employee forfeited his rights to severance pay by violating company policy.

  • to lose a game by default or as a penalty for breaking the rules

    Example

    The team had to forfeit the game because they did not have enough players.

Origins of forfeit

from Middle English 'forfet', meaning 'crime'

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Summary: forfeit in Brief

The term 'forfeit' [ˈfɔːfɪt] refers to losing property, rights, or privileges as a penalty for wrongdoing. It can also refer to a fine or penalty for breaking rules in a club or game. Examples include 'He forfeited his right to a fair trial by fleeing the country.' and 'The team had to forfeit the game due to a violation of league rules.' Idioms like 'cut one's losses and forfeit the game' imply giving up on a situation that is going badly.

How do native speakers use this expression?