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Forfeiture Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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forfeiture

[ˈfɔːrfɪtjər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

The loss or giving up of something as a penalty for wrongdoing or a breach of rules. It can involve the confiscation or surrender of property or rights.

Synonyms

confiscation, penalty, seizure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forfeiture

This word is often used in legal or financial situations where someone loses the right to something as a result of breaking a rule or failing to fulfill an obligation.

  • The forfeiture of property was the result of his involvement in illegal activities.
  • She faced the forfeiture of her deposit for breaking the lease agreement.
confiscation

Confiscation typically refers to the act of taking someone's property by authority, often as a penalty for wrongdoing. This term is common in legal and governmental contexts.

  • The government ordered the confiscation of illegal firearms found at the property.
  • Confiscation of the assets was deemed necessary to deter further criminal activity.
seizure

Seizure refers to the act of taking control of property, often by legal or governmental authority. It can be used in medical contexts as well, meaning a sudden attack or spasm.

  • The police conducted a seizure of the drugs during the raid.
  • He experienced a seizure and was immediately rushed to the hospital.
penalty

A penalty is a punishment, typically in the form of a fine or other sanction, imposed for breaking a law or rule. It is commonly used in sports, law, and business.

  • The player received a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct during the game.
  • Late payment incurs a penalty fee.

Examples of usage

  • His assets were subject to forfeiture as a result of the criminal charges against him.
  • The court ordered the forfeiture of the illegally obtained funds.
  • The company faced forfeiture of its operating license due to violations of environmental regulations.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

The action of giving up a game or match as a result of a breach of rules or failure to meet certain conditions.

Synonyms

default, loss, surrender.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forfeiture

Legal or official contexts where a person must give up something, usually as a penalty for breaking a rule or law.

  • The forfeiture of the property was the result of his legal misconduct.
  • She faced forfeiture of her driver's license due to repeated traffic violations.
surrender

Situations where someone willingly gives up control or possession, often used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

  • The army had no choice but to surrender to the overwhelming forces.
  • He decided to surrender his claim to the inheritance to avoid family conflict.
loss

General situations where something is no longer possessed, could be emotional, financial, or physical.

  • She felt a deep sense of loss after her pet passed away.
  • The company reported a significant loss in revenue this quarter.
default

Situations involving failure to fulfill an obligation, such as not repaying a loan, often used in financial contexts.

  • The bank may take legal action if you default on your mortgage payments.
  • His default on the loan affected his credit score severely.

Examples of usage

  • The team was forced to accept forfeiture of the match due to a violation of the rules.
  • The player's intentional violation led to the team's forfeiture of the game.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, forfeiture often occurs when someone is convicted of a crime, leading to loss of property used in illegal activities.
  • Civil forfeiture allows authorities to seize assets without a criminal charge, raising debates about property rights.
  • There are two types: criminal forfeiture (linked to a conviction) and civil forfeiture (not necessarily linked to a crime).

Pop Culture

  • The concept appears in many legal dramas, often highlighting moral dilemmas regarding property rights.
  • In gaming, players might forfeit scores or items if they break rules or fail to complete challenges.
  • Films often portray characters facing forfeiture in dramatic plot twists, showcasing consequences of poor choices.

Psychology

  • Experiencing forfeiture can lead to feelings of loss, regret, or frustration, potentially affecting decision-making in the future.
  • Studies suggest that perceived losses, such as forfeiture, impact emotional well-being more than gains of equivalent value.
  • Understanding how people respond to the risk of forfeiture can help in designing better environments for making decisions.

History

  • Forfeiture laws have ancient roots, seen in Roman law where property could be lost due to crimes.
  • During the feudal era, knights could forfeit land or privileges for disloyalty, affecting their social status significantly.
  • The development of property rights throughout history has shaped how forfeiture laws have been applied and enforced.

Origin of 'forfeiture'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Old French word 'forfaiture,' which means 'a crime' or 'breach of duty.'
  • The Latin root 'foris' means 'outside,' indicating something lost or given up due to external circumstances.
  • The word evolved through legal language around the 14th century as law in England began to formalize.

The word 'forfeiture' originated from the Old French word 'forfeture', which meant 'crime, sin, punishment'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the specific legal sense of 'loss of some right or property as a penalty for wrongdoing'. The concept of forfeiture has been a part of legal systems for centuries, serving as a deterrent for misconduct and a means of enforcing compliance with laws and regulations.

See also: forfeit.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,309 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.