Definition of "forfeit" in English

noun

1. A penalty for or consequence of a misdemeanor.

2. A thing forfeited; that which is taken from somebody in requital of a misdeed committed; that which is lost, or the right to which is alienated, by a crime, breach of contract, etc.

   • He who murders pays the forfeit of his own life.

3. Something deposited and redeemable by a sportive fine as part of a game.

4. (obsolete, rare) Injury; wrong; mischief.

   • a. 1789, Barry St. Leger, Siege of Nicopolis to seek arms upon people and country that never did us any forfeit

verb

1. To suffer the loss of something by wrongdoing or non-compliance

   • He forfeited his last chance of an early release from jail by repeatedly attacking another inmate.

2. To lose a contest, game, match, or other form of competition by voluntary withdrawal, by failing to attend or participate, or by violation of the rules

   • Because only nine players were present, the football team was forced to forfeit the game.

3. To be guilty of a misdeed; to be criminal; to transgress.

4. To fail to keep an obligation.

5. (law) Of government officials: to legally remove property from its previous owners.

adjective

1. Lost or alienated for an offense or crime; liable to penal seizure.