forfeit

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

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

   the contract specified forfeits if the work was not completed on time

2. 2
   verb

   lose (s.th.) or lose the right to (s.th.) by some error, offense, or crime

   you've forfeited your right to name your successor

3. 3
   noun

   A penalty for or consequence of a misdemeanor.

   That he our deadly forfeit should release

4. 4
   noun

   A thing forfeited; that which is taken from somebody in requital of a misdeed committed; that which is lost, or the right to which is alienated, by a crime, breach of contract, etc.

   He who murders pays the forfeit of his own life.

5. 5
   noun

   Something deposited and redeemable by a sportive fine as part of a game.

   Country dances and forfeits shortened the rest of the day.

6. 6
   noun

   Injury; wrong; mischief.

   a. 1789, Barry St. Leger, Siege of Nicopolis to seek arms upon people and country that never did us any forfeit

7. 7
   verb

   To suffer the loss of something by wrongdoing or non-compliance

   He forfeited his last chance of an early release from jail by repeatedly attacking another inmate.

8. 8
   verb

   To lose a contest, game, match, or other form of competition by voluntary withdrawal, by failing to attend or participate, or by violation of the rules

   Because only nine players were present, the football team was forced to forfeit the game.

Etymology

From Middle English forfait from ca. 1300, from Old French forfait (“crime”), originally the past participle of forfaire (“to transgress”), and Medieval Latin foris factum. During the 15th century, the sense shifted from the crime to the penalty for the crime.