forfeiture

noun

for·​fei·​ture ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər,

-ˌt(y)u̇r

1

: the act of forfeiting : the loss of property or money because of a breach of a legal obligation

assets subject to forfeiture

2

: something (such as money or property) that is forfeited : penalty

Synonyms

• damages
• fine
• forfeit
• mulct
• penalty

Examples of forfeiture in a Sentence

the forfeiture for early withdrawal of the investment savings will be an amount equal to 10 percent of the investment

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to the prison term and the $1.5 billion forfeiture, Salame, 30, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay further amounts of more than $6 million in forfeiture and more than $5 million in restitution. —Issy Ronald, CNN, 11 Oct. 2024

The money's forfeiture appears to have been part of a deal that kept Individual X out of prison, though the terms of that deal have never been publicly disclosed. —Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 9 Oct. 2024

Still, the government seized Lara’s money through civil forfeiture. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024

Earlier this year, a U.S. court sentenced him to 90 months in prison and ordered him to pay more than $6 million in forfeiture and more than $5 million in restitution. —Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

forfeiture

noun

for·​fei·​ture ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇(ə)r 

-chər

1

: the act of forfeiting

2

: something forfeited : penalty

Legal Definition

forfeiture

noun

for·​fei·​ture ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇r 

1

: the loss of a right, money, or especially property because of one's criminal act, default, or failure or neglect to perform a duty compare waiver

2

: something (as money or property) that is forfeited as a penalty