forfeiture
noun
for·fei·ture
ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇r 
-chər,
-ˌt(y)u̇r
1
: the act of forfeiting : the loss of property or money because of a breach of a legal obligation
assets subject to forfeiture
Examples of forfeiture in a Sentence
the forfeiture for early withdrawal of the investment savings will be an amount equal to 10 percent of the investment
Recent Examples on the Web
The penalties were a combination of forfeitures and fines.
—
Brady Dale, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
These days the objectives are not about achievement but rather, forfeiture.
—Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
Sentences can carry a maximum of 25 years in prison, large fines and forfeiture of the goods.
—Adeel Hassan, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2025
Exceptions to point forfeiture include absences due to medical reasons, the birth of a child, family emergencies, or age restrictions.
—Greg Engle, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forfeiture
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Brady Dale, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
These days the objectives are not about achievement but rather, forfeiture.
—Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
Sentences can carry a maximum of 25 years in prison, large fines and forfeiture of the goods.
—Adeel Hassan, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2025
Exceptions to point forfeiture include absences due to medical reasons, the birth of a child, family emergencies, or age restrictions.
—Greg Engle, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forfeiture
Cite this Entry
“Forfeiture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forfeiture. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
forfeiture
noun
for·fei·ture
ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇(ə)r
-chər
1
: the act of forfeiting
2
: something forfeited : penalty
Legal Definition
forfeiture
noun
for·fei·ture
ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇r
1
: the loss of a right, money, or especially property because of one's criminal act, default, or failure or neglect to perform a duty compare waiver
2
: something (as money or property) that is forfeited as a penalty
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share