Meaning
As a verb: to lose or give up something as a result of breaking a rule, failing to meet a condition, or as a penalty. As a noun: something that is lost or given up, often as punishment or consequence.
Grammar and Usage
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Verb (transitive/intransitive):
- to forfeit sth → to lose something because of a rule or penalty.
- Common in legal, financial, and sports contexts.
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Noun:
- a forfeit → a penalty, fine, or loss suffered due to wrongdoing.
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Adjective: sometimes used attributively, e.g., forfeit property.
Sentence Structures
- Subject + forfeit + object → He forfeited his right to appeal.
- Subject + be + forfeit (passive form) → The money was forfeit after the deadline passed.
Common Phrases
- forfeit a game/match – to lose automatically, often by not showing up.
- forfeit property – to lose ownership due to legal penalty.
- rights are forfeit – to lose rights due to misconduct.
Collocations
- Verb + forfeit: must forfeit, forced to forfeit, agree to forfeit
- Forfeit + noun: forfeit fee, forfeit payment, forfeit deposit, forfeit rights
- Noun phrase: pay a forfeit, lose by forfeit, accept the forfeit
Examples
- He had to forfeit his deposit after canceling the reservation late.
- The team was forced to forfeit the match because they didn’t have enough players.
- She may forfeit her chance to win the scholarship if she misses the interview.
- The company will forfeit its license if it violates safety regulations.
- As a forfeit, the losing team had to clean up the field.
- His property was declared forfeit to the state after the court ruling.
- If you break the contract, you must pay a forfeit.
- They were willing to forfeit some profit for long-term stability.
Synonyms or Related
- Verb: surrender, relinquish, waive, lose, give up
- Noun: penalty, fine, loss, sacrifice
Antonym
- Verb: retain, keep, maintain
- Noun: reward, gain, benefit
