Reading Theme:
Forfeit: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：lose by penalty (forfeit)
forfeit
/ˈfɔːr.fɪt/
v.
To lose the right to something, like a game or a match, because you broke a rule.
lose by penalty
➕
loʊz baɪ ˈpɛnəlti
v.
This meaning refers to the act of losing a right, possession, or opportunity as a direct consequence of failing to follow established rules or conditions, especially in competitive contexts like sports or games.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from Old French 'forfet', meaning 'crime, offense', which itself came from the Latin 'foris factum' ('outside the deed' or 'beyond what is done'). The core idea is of a transgression requiring a penalty.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'FOR FEET' - if you use your feet to kick the ball out of bounds on purpose, you might FORFEIT the right to play further, losing the match.
📖 Example
Their team was late for the match and had to forfeit, giving the win to their opponents.
Their team was late for the match and had to forfeit, giving the win to their opponents.
🔗 Collocations
forfeit a match – to give up a match as a penalty
forfeit the game – to lose the game due to a rules violation
automatic forfeit – a loss that happens automatically due to a rule
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
forfeiture (n.) – the act of forfeiting something; the thing that is forfeited
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'forfeit' has a concrete origin in law. It entered English via Old French 'forfet' or 'forfait', relating to a crime or transgression. This French term stemmed from the Latin past participle 'forisfactum' ('that which is done beyond', i.e., a trespass or crime). Historically, a 'forfeit' was the fine or penalty incurred for such an offense. This legal and punitive core remains in modern usage, from sports (forfeiting a game) to contracts (forfeiting a deposit).
Meaning 2：surrender as penalty (forfeit)
forfeit
/ˈfɔːr.fɪt/
v.
To have something taken away as a formal punishment for breaking a law or an agreement.
surrender as penalty
➕
səˈrɛndər æz ˈpɛnəlti
v.
This meaning involves being compelled to give up property, money, or a right as a formal punishment or consequence for failing to meet a legal obligation, contractual term, or official requirement.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
If you fail to make your loan payments on time, you could forfeit your car.
If you fail to make your loan payments on time, you could forfeit your car.
🔗 Collocations
forfeit a deposit – to lose a security deposit due to a breach of contract
forfeit property – to have property legally taken away as a penalty
forfeit one's rights – to lose legal rights due to one's actions
🔄 Synonyms
relinquish (v.) – to voluntarily give up or let go of something
surrender (v.) – to give up possession or control, often formally
confiscate (v.) – to seize property with authority (often used from the perspective of the authority taking)
🌱 Derivatives
forfeitable (adj.) – subject to being forfeited
Wordbook
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