forfeiture
noun
for·fei·ture
ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇r 
-chər,
-ˌt(y)u̇r
1
: the act of forfeiting : the loss of property or money because of a breach of a legal obligation
assets subject to forfeiture
Examples of forfeiture in a Sentence
the forfeiture for early withdrawal of the investment savings will be an amount equal to 10 percent of the investment
Recent Examples on the Web
The brothers in their appeal were attacking the sentences and forfeitures from many angles.
—
Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Hill was booked and held on a $3,500 bond connected to two bond-forfeiture warrants from a 2025 criminal investigation, the sheriff’s office said.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
But as Stephen Root’s character points out to dodgeball chancellor William Shatner, judges can overturn the forfeiture.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2026
Smith also agreed to forfeiture of over $8 million.
—Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for forfeiture
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Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Hill was booked and held on a $3,500 bond connected to two bond-forfeiture warrants from a 2025 criminal investigation, the sheriff’s office said.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
But as Stephen Root’s character points out to dodgeball chancellor William Shatner, judges can overturn the forfeiture.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2026
Smith also agreed to forfeiture of over $8 million.
—Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for forfeiture
Cite this Entry
“Forfeiture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forfeiture. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
forfeiture
noun
for·fei·ture
ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇(ə)r
-chər
1
: the act of forfeiting
2
: something forfeited : penalty
Legal Definition
forfeiture
noun
for·fei·ture
ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇r
1
: the loss of a right, money, or especially property because of one's criminal act, default, or failure or neglect to perform a duty compare waiver
2
: something (as money or property) that is forfeited as a penalty
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