Definition of "forfeit"

forfeit

/ˈfɔː.fɪt/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural forfeits
1. A penalty for or consequence of a misdemeanor.
  Quotations
  That he our deadly forfeit should release
  1629, John Milton, On the Morning of Christ's Nativity
2. A thing forfeited; that which is taken from somebody in requital of a misdeed committed; that which is lost, or the right to which is alienated, by a crime, breach of contract, etc.
  Quotations
  Thy slanders I forgive; and therewithal / Remit thy other forfeits.
  c. 1603–1604 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Measure for Measure”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act V, scene i]
3. Something deposited and redeemable by a sportive fine as part of a game.
  Quotations
  Country dances and forfeits shortened the rest of the day.
  1766, [Oliver Goldsmith], The Vicar of Wakefield: […], volumes (please specify |volume=I or II), Salisbury, Wiltshire: […] B. Collins, for F[rancis] Newbery, […]; reprinted London: Elliot Stock, 1885,
4. (obsolete, rare) Injury; wrong; mischief.
  Quotations
  to seek arms upon people and country that never did us any forfeit
  a. 1789, Barry St. Leger, Siege of Nicopolis
verb
third-person singular simple present forfeits, present participle forfeiting, simple past and past participle forfeited or (rare) forfeit
1. To suffer the loss of something by wrongdoing or non-compliance
2. To lose a contest, game, match, or other form of competition by voluntary withdrawal, by failing to attend or participate, or by violation of the rules
3. To be guilty of a misdeed; to be criminal; to transgress.
4. To fail to keep an obligation.
  Quotations
  I will have the heart of him if he forfeit.
  c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act III, scene i]
adjective
not comparable
1. Lost or alienated for an offense or crime; liable to penal seizure.
  Quotations
  to tread the forfeit paradise
  1867, Ralph Waldo Emerson, May-Day

Definition of "forfeit"

forfeit

noun

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verb

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adjective

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