forfeit

UK: ˈfɔːfɪt | US: ˈfɔːrfɪt

Definition

  1. n. something lost or surrendered as a penalty for wrongdoing

  2. vt. to lose or surrender something as a consequence of an offense or failure

Structure
for <outside, beyond>feit <deed, act>for <outside, beyond>feit <deed, act>
Etymology

The word "forfeit" originated in Middle English from Old French forfet, meaning "crime" or "transgression." It combines for- (beyond) and fait (deed), implying an act that goes beyond legal or moral boundaries, leading to a penalty. Over time, it evolved to denote the penalty itself—something surrendered due to wrongdoing.

Examples

  1. He had to pay a forfeit for breaking the rules.

  2. The team forfeited the match due to misconduct.

  3. Failure to comply will result in the forfeit of your deposit.

  4. She accepted the forfeit gracefully after losing the bet.

  5. The court ordered the forfeit of his property.