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V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary


forfeit

verb, noun, adjective

Definition: (v.) 1. to surrender one thing to get another; 2. to have something taken away as punishment; (n.) 1. the act of giving something up as a penalty; 2. the thing that is taken away; (adj) relinquished, lost, or taken away

Synonyms: (v.) relinquish, foresake, yield, renounce, sacrifice, lose, (n.) penalty, fine, cost, damages, loss, (adj.) relinquished, confiscated

Antonyms: (v.) gain, receive, (n.) reward, (adj.) kept, received

Tips: When you forfeit something, you essentially give it up, or you give up your right to have it. Forefeit originates from the Old French forfait, "crime." When you commit a crime and are convicted for it and sent to prison, you forfeit (verb) your freedom. Your punishment is a forfeit (noun) and your freedom can be described as forfeit (adj.) Although forfeit can be used as a noun and an adjective, it's most commonly used as a verb--see examples.

Usage Examples:

By proving himself a danger to society, he forfeit his right to freedom. (relinquished, lost) verb

Unable to field enough players, the coach was forced to forfeit the game. (sacrifice, lose) verb

When you become a United States citizen you will forfeit your German citizenship. (give up, relinquish) verb

If you do not leave your apartment in perfect condition you will forfeit some or all of your deposit. (lose, relinquish) verb


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