Forfeit – Meaning, Definition, Synonyms and Antonyms
Forfeit is a verb that means to lose something (often money, a right, or a prize) as a punishment or consequence of breaking a rule or not meeting an agreement.
Meaning:
To forfeit means to give up something you would otherwise keep because you have done something wrong, failed to meet a condition, or accepted a penalty.
Definition:
When someone forfeits something, it usually happens under rules (for example, a contract, competition regulations, court procedures, or a lease). In many contexts, the result is automatic once the condition is broken—similar to a penalty that takes effect.
Example Sentences:
- He had to forfeit his security deposit after missing the required notice period.
- If you arrive late, you’ll forfeit your seat and have to rebook for a later session.
- The team had to forfeit the match after the violation was confirmed by the league.
- By violating the event rules, the participant may forfeit the prize money.
Forfeit Synonyms:
- Lose
- Surrender
- Relinquish
- Give up
- Sacrifice
- Forfeit (same word; used when matching wording in legal or rule-based contexts)
- Abandon (more general: to leave or stop having)
- Cede (to give up formally, often by agreement)
Forfeit Antonyms:
Sometimes people confuse forfeit with similar rule-related verbs like forbid (to prohibit) or cancel (to call off). Forfeit is specifically about losing something as a consequence.
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