Forfeit

/ˈfɔːrfɪt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

Something that is lost or surrendered as a penalty.

The team's forfeit of the match resulted in a significant loss of points.

The act of forfeiting; the loss of something through failing to follow rules.

Her forfeit of the prize was a disappointing outcome for her hard work.

verb

To lose or give up something as a penalty for a mistake, offense, or failure.

If you fail to pay your parking ticket, you may forfeit the right to contest it.

To lose (a right, privilege, etc.) due to violation of a rule or law.

By missing the deadline for submission, the team had to forfeit their chance to enter the competition.

Middle English, from Old French 'forfaire', meaning to do wrong.

forfeit one's rights

To give up legal claims to something.

forfeit the game

To lose a match or game due to not participating.

forfeit your chance

To lose an opportunity to gain something.

forfeiture

The act of losing or giving up something as a penalty.

penalty

A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract.

relinquish

To voluntarily cease to keep or claim something.

To fold or back out of a situation.

He decided to forfeit when he realized he couldn't win.

To cheat or forgo a bet.

She forfeited the bet after losing a round.