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

Because of the ballot forfeiture, these races will now be uncontested. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025

Santos’s new sentencing date is on April 25, and he is required to pay more than $205,000 in forfeiture, in addition to $375,000 in restitution. —Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025

The Marion County Prosecutor's Office has filed forfeiture cases for more than $2.5 million since 2022, according to the Chengs' lawsuit. —Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 10 Dec. 2024

After his death and the outrage that sparked from it, Congress passed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act in 1986, which included homicide charges for dealers tied to overdose deaths, as well as harsh minimum mandatory sentences for other drug crimes and extensive forfeiture provisions. —Adrienne Davis, Journal Sentinel, 28 Nov. 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