English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com

forfeit

0 synonyms and 0 antonyms for forfeit, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To lose or give up something as a penalty for breaking a rule or agreement.

We haven't recorded synonyms for forfeit yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use forfeit

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

forfeit the game forfeit a deposit forfeit the right to

Etymology

From Old French forfait ("crime"), from forfaire ("to transgress"). The meaning shifted over time from the crime itself to the penalty for it.

Full origin of 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.

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of forfeit
Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.