forfeit

[ fawr-fit ]
/ ˈfɔr fɪt /

noun

verb (used with object)

to subject to seizure as a forfeit.
to lose or become liable to lose, as in consequence of crime, fault, or breach of engagement.

adjective

lost or subject to loss by forfeiture.

Origin of forfeit

1250–1300; Middle English forfet < Old French (past participle of forfaire to commit crime, to lose possession or right through a criminal act) < Medieval Latin forīs factum penalty, past participle of forīs facere to transgress, equivalent to Latin forīs outside, wrongly + facere to make, do

OTHER WORDS FROM forfeit

Example sentences from the Web for forfeit

British Dictionary definitions for forfeit

forfeit
/ (ˈfɔːfɪt) /

noun

verb

(tr) to lose or be liable to lose in consequence of a mistake, fault, etc
(tr) law
  1. to confiscate as punishment
  2. to surrender (something exacted as a penalty)

adjective

surrendered or liable to be surrendered as a penalty

Derived forms of forfeit

forfeitable, adjective forfeiter, noun

Word Origin for forfeit

C13: from Old French forfet offence, from forfaire to commit a crime, from Medieval Latin foris facere to act outside (what is lawful), from Latin foris outside + facere to do