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Forfeited Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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forfeited

[หˆfษ”หr.fษช.tฬฌษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

To forfeit something means to lose or give up a right, property, or privilege, typically as a penalty for wrongdoing or failure to fulfill an obligation. It often refers to the legal loss of rights due to actions that violate a contract or law.

Synonyms

abandon, lose, relinquish, surrender.

Examples of usage

  • He forfeited his right to appeal the decision.
  • The team forfeited the game due to rule violations.
  • They forfeited their deposit when they canceled the reservation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, forfeiture often refers to property that is lost due to illegal actions, like in drug trafficking cases.
  • The principle of forfeiture is used to deter crime by taking away benefits from unlawful actions.
  • Forfeited rights or privileges occur in various fields, including sports where teams may lose standing for rule violations.

Pop Culture

  • In many movies and TV shows, characters face the consequences of their actions, often leading to forfeiture of possessions or opportunities.
  • Video games often have mechanics where players can forfeit a match, losing any chance for rewards.
  • Popular board games like Monopoly involve forfeiting properties if players canโ€™t pay rent.

Psychology

  • The act of forfeiting can lead to feelings of regret or disappointment, impacting mental well-being.
  • People tend to remember losses more vividly than gains, making the concept of forfeiting emotionally significant.
  • Forfeits in daily decisions, like missing out on an event, can heighten social anxiety in some individuals.

Sports

  • In sports, a team may forfeit a game if they fail to appear or do not meet player eligibility requirements.
  • Forfeited matches can significantly impact standings in league play, reflecting the importance of commitment.
  • The rules surrounding forfeits in sports emphasize fairness and competition integrity.

Origin of 'forfeited'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'foris' meaning 'outside,' suggesting something lost or given up.
  • In Old French, the term 'forfait' was used to describe something surrendered due to a violation of rules.
  • The earliest recorded use of 'forfeit' in English dates back to the late 14th century.

The word 'forfeit' comes from the Middle English term 'forfeiten,' which originated from the Old French 'forfaire,' meaning 'to do wrong' or 'to transgress.' This, in turn, derives from the Latin 'forisfacere,' which means 'to do outside' or 'to be outside the law.' The evolution of the term reflects a legal connotation, wherein an individual loses rights or privileges as a consequence of an infringement. Over the centuries, 'forfeit' has come to be used in various contexts, including law, sports, and contracts, emphasizing the idea of loss due to a failure to comply with rules or duties.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,231 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.