forfeiture

noun

for·​fei·​ture ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce forfeiture (audio)
-chər, 
-ˌt(y)u̇r
Synonyms of forfeiturenext
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 of forfeiture

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The judge rejected Bennett’s requests for punitive damages and forfeiture of all the compensation Corcoran received during the period of the breaches, which would have amounted to most of his $10 million in earnings. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2026 McDonald said the Justice Department is building an asset forfeiture and recovery team to pursue assets allegedly purchased with fraud proceeds, including luxury vehicles and real estate. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 The indictment also includes forfeiture provisions allowing the government to seek assets connected to the torture conspiracy if prosecutors obtain a conviction. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026 By requiring jail time, the DOJ would only serve to delay Smith’s ability to pay back the forfeiture, his lawyers suggested. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forfeiture

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forfeiture was in the 14th century

Rhymes for forfeiture

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Browse Nearby Words

forfeiter
forfeiture
forfeiture bond
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Cite this Entry

“Forfeiture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forfeiture. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

forfeiture

noun
for·​fei·​ture ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇(ə)r How to pronounce forfeiture (audio)
-chər
1
: the act of forfeiting
2
: something forfeited : penalty

Legal Definition

forfeiture

noun
for·​fei·​ture ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce forfeiture (audio)
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
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