forfeit
FOR-fit
/ˈfɔːrfɪt/
To lose or give up the right to something as a consequence of a fault, mistake, crime, or failure to meet an obligation.
Implies a loss that is penal or contractual—you lose the item because you broke a rule or failed to pay on time.
The story behind the word. In medieval French, 'forfaire' meant to do something outside the law, essentially committing a crime. The penalty for this 'outside-doing' was losing your property to the king, which became our modern 'forfeit.'
Word relationships
- surrender: Surrender can be voluntary or forced by defeat, whereas forfeit is specifically a penalty for a breach of contract or rule.
- relinquish: Relinquish is a formal, often voluntary giving up of a right, without the punitive aspect of forfeit.
- claim: To assert ownership or right to something.
- retain: To keep possession of something.
Commonly confused with
- waive: To waive is to voluntarily give up a right (like waiving a fee), while to forfeit is to lose a right as a penalty.
Word family
- forfeiture (noun): The loss of property or a right as a consequence of default or crime.
Collocations
- forfeit a deposit
- forfeit the match
- forfeit rights
Example sentences
- "If the loan is not repaid by Friday, you will forfeit all rights to the property." A classic literary reference to a binding contract.
- "Let the forfeit be nominated for an equal pound of your fair flesh." Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice. (William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice)
Memory hook
Forfeit sounds like 'For-Fit'. If you aren't 'fit' to follow the rules, you must 'forfeit' your prize. Fail the fit, forfeit the kit.
When not to use
Do not use for simple, accidental losses (like losing your keys); it must be a structured or legal loss due to a specific failure.
Fun facts
- In professional chess, if a player's phone rings during a match, they immediately forfeit the game.
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