0 to lose the right to do or have something because you have broken a rule: --
1 something that you have lost the right to do or have because you have broken a rule --
2 taken away from someone as a punishment --
3 to give up or lose something because you cannot do something that the rules or the law says you must do: --
4 to lose the right to have or do something because you have not obeyed a rule or law: --
forfeit sth to sb/sth Illegally shipped cigarettes will be seized and forfeited to the state.
forfeit a claim/right (to sth/to do sth) She forfeited her right to benefits because she did not notify the authorities of her change in circumstances.
Over several years, the district forfeited $51 million by failing to spend the money within the deadlines set by the government.
5 to agree to give away the right to have or do something: --
The deposit would be forfeited if any newspaper were found to have published anything seditious.
Now indirect or opportunity costs - the financial rewards which people are forfeiting by caring - are much more commonly a target of policy.
Already in a vulnerable position, they felt in danger of forfeiting everything if political and economic reforms were not fast in coming.
Because of its adamant stand, the council had also forfeited any possible influence in the actual policing of the city.
Payment of debts, however, were frequently forfeited to manifestations of style and status.
The inevitable consequence of his marriage was that he forfeited his fellowship, and the security it had given him.
Philosophy, at least, was henceforth addicted to this criticism and it cannot protect itself from it without forfeiting its own nature.
Further, opportunities for direct action may be forfeited and communities may suffer the consequences of false hope.