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
SYNONYMS FOR forfeit
OTHER WORDS FROM forfeit
Words nearby forfeit
foreworn,
forex,
foreyard,
forfaiting,
forfar,
forfeit,
forfeiture,
forfend,
forfex,
forficate,
forfochen
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
- to confiscate as punishment
- to surrender (something exacted as a penalty)
adjective
surrendered or liable to be surrendered as a penalty
Derived forms of forfeit
forfeitable, adjective forfeiter, nounWord 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