Definition

Lost or at risk of being lost due to a penalty or failure to meet a requirement.

Example

If you miss the deadline, your right to the prize will be forfeit.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you hear about the game last night?

Yeah, I heard it was intense! What happened?

Well, the team had to forfeit because too many players got injured.

That's such a bummer! They were doing so well before that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

Something that is lost or given up as a penalty for breaking a rule or law.

Example

He had to pay a forfeit for missing the deadline.

Conversation

Did you hear about the game night last weekend?

Yeah, I missed it! What happened?

Someone ended up having to pay a forfeit for losing the trivia round.

Definition

To lose or give up something, usually as a penalty for a mistake or wrongdoing.

Example

If you break the rules, you may forfeit your right to participate in the game.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the player who had to forfeit the game?

Yeah, it was such a bummer!

I can't believe they had to forfeit just because of a minor rule violation.

Root Explanation

Forfeit is derived from the Old French 'forfait' (meaning a crime or offense) and the Latin 'foris' (meaning outside). The word originally referred to something lost or given up due to a crime or offense, hence the meaning of forfeiting something.

Memory Tip

Think of a crime or offense ('forfait') that causes you to lose something ('foris' means outside, suggesting something is lost or given up). This helps you remember that to forfeit means to lose something due to a wrongdoing.

Visually Confused Words