forfeiture

/ˈfɔrfɪtʃər/

/ˈfɔfɪtʃə/

Other forms: forfeitures

Forfeiture is having to give something up, usually as a punishment. If kindergartners yell and run around instead of sitting quietly at their desks, it might result in a forfeiture of recess that day.

When you forfeit something, you lose or relinquish it as a penalty for doing something wrong. An instance of this happening is a forfeiture, and you can describe the thing you have to sacrifice as a forfeiture too. In law, a forfeiture is the loss of rights or goods due to not fulfilling some obligation. For example, failing to make car payments to a bank can result in the forfeiture of your car.

Definitions of forfeiture

1. noun

   something that is lost or surrendered as a penalty
   synonyms: forfeit

   type of:

   loss

   something that is lost
2. noun

   a penalty for a fault or mistake that involves losing or giving up something
   synonyms: forfeit

   type of:

   penalty

   a payment required for not fulfilling a contract
3. noun

   the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.
   synonyms: forfeit, sacrifice

   type of:

   act, deed, human action, human activity

   something that people do or cause to happen