forfeiture

Everyday

1. (law) Forfeiture is the losing of property, money or a right as a punishment for breaking a rule or law. tree →
2. (sport) Losing a match because a team broke the rules or did not turn up. tree →

In the lessons

A formal legal word used in news: «forfeiture of assets» (when the police take money or things gained from crime). Phrases: «asset forfeiture», «forfeiture of a deposit».

Examples

• The court ordered the forfeiture of the stolen car. tree →
• Breaking the rules led to the forfeiture of the prize. tree →
• The deposit is subject to forfeiture if you cancel late. tree →
• The criminal faced forfeiture of all his money. tree →
• Forfeiture of the match happened because the team had too few players. tree →
• Asset forfeiture means taking things bought with crime money. tree →

Note

Verb: «forfeit» (to lose something as a penalty); «forfeit» is also a noun. Spelling: forfeiture (ei, not ie). Very formal; say «losing» in everyday speech.