forfeit
Forfeit (verb) means to lose or give up something as a penalty for breaking a rule or agreement. Example: “Players who arrive late forfeit their turn.”
How to Use Forfeit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo lose something — money, a right, a game — because you broke a rule or failed to show up.
Word Forms
forfeited past tense, forfeit past tense, forfeits plural, forfeits singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Players who arrive late _____ their turn.
Etymology
From Old French forfait ("crime"), from forfaire ("to transgress"). The meaning shifted over time from the crime itself to the penalty for it.
Rhymes for forfeit
See all rhymes for forfeit →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “forfeit” mean?
The word “forfeit” means to lose or give up something as a penalty for breaking a rule or agreement. In plain terms, to lose something — money, a right, a game — because you broke a rule or failed to show up.
How do you pronounce “forfeit”?
“Forfeit” is pronounced FAW-fiht (/ˈfɔɹ.fɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “forfeit” in a sentence?
Here is “forfeit” used in a sentence: “Players who arrive late forfeit their turn.”
What part of speech is “forfeit”?
Depending on how it is used, “forfeit” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “forfeit” come from?
The word “forfeit” comes from Old French. From Old French forfait ("crime"), from forfaire ("to transgress"). The meaning shifted over time from the crime itself to the penalty for it.
Is “forfeit” a common word?
“Forfeit” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “forfeit” have?
“Forfeit” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to lose or give up something as a penalty for breaking a rule or agreement.