forfeiture

noun

for·​fei·​ture ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce forfeiture (audio)
-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
2
: something (such as money or property) that is forfeited : penalty

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 Haines said that both appeared in court Wednesday, but Lane was removed from the complaint for forfeiture. Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 8 Mar. 2024 Along with the probation, G Herbo was ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $139,968 each, as well as a $5,500 fine. USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2024 The Department of Justice uses asset forfeiture as a tool to deter, disrupt, and dismantle criminal enterprises, denying them the proceeds and the instruments of criminal activity. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2023 But they are not entitled to an attorney in the separate civil forfeiture proceeding against their property. Andrew Wimer, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Two Bal Harbour condominiums, last sold in 2018 for $1.4 million each, are the subject of a U.S. Justice Department civil forfeiture complaint that’s part of a fusillade of actions enforcing sanctions against Russia. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2024 The United States also filed a civil forfeiture complaint to seize two Miami luxury condo properties, located at the Ritz Carlton in Bal Harbour and valued at $2.5 million, owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Viktor Perevalov. Jeff Stein, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024 For a refresher, asset forfeiture was concocted during the Reagan-era anti-drug panic. Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 16 Feb. 2024 Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez says the department’s purchase of eight vehicles in 2021 using jail commissary and asset forfeiture funds followed state and county purchasing statutes despite the State Board of Accounts saying that is not the case. Carrie Napoleon, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'forfeiture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forfeiture was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near forfeiture

Cite this Entry

“Forfeiture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forfeiture. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

forfeiture

noun
for·​fei·​ture ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇(ə)r How to pronounce forfeiture (audio)
-chər
1
: the act of forfeiting
2
: something forfeited : penalty

Legal Definition

forfeiture

noun
for·​fei·​ture ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce forfeiture (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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