forfeiture

/ˈfɔːfɪtʃə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɔːrfɪtʃər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇r -chər, -ˌt(y)u̇r/ (ame, mw)

forfeiture — noun

  • forfeituresingular
  • forfeituresplural

1. the compulsory surrender of money, goods, or a legal right as punishment for bre

1.名詞C1
釋義

the compulsory surrender of money, goods, or a legal right as punishment for breaking a law, contract, or obligation

例句

The court ordered forfeiture of Omar's house after his conviction for fraud.

forfeiture of + asset after criminal conviction

Chen faced forfeiture of his driving licence for repeated speeding offences.

同義詞
  • confiscation

    often done by authorities without a full court process; forfeiture is a formal legal penalty

  • seizure

    usually temporary taking; forfeiture implies permanent loss

  • loss

    broader term that does not imply a penalty or wrongdoing

反義詞

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 2: this sense refers to the act or process of losing something, not the item itself. Almost always followed by 'of' to specify what is lost (forfeiture of assets, forfeiture of rights).

常見錯誤

❌Customs seized the goods and the court ordered seizure.
✅Customs seized the goods and the court ordered forfeiture.
💡seizure is temporary taking by authorities; forfeiture is permanent loss imposed as a legal penalty.

2. an amount of money or a piece of property that someone must give up as punishmen

2.名詞C1
釋義

an amount of money or a piece of property that someone must give up as punishment for breaking a rule or contract

例句

The forfeiture included two cars, a boat, and £50,000 in cash.

forfeiture as countable: the specific items taken

Police seized the forfeiture — a collection of watches bought with stolen funds.

同義詞
  • penalty

    broader term covering fines, imprisonment, and other punishments

  • confiscated property

    less formal; emphasises the taking rather than the legal status

  • seized assets

    focuses on the act of taking possession by authorities

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: this sense refers to the actual money or property taken, not the process of surrendering it. Can be used as a countable noun with the plural 'forfeitures' when referring to items from multiple cases.

常見錯誤

❌The court imposed a forfeiture of $500.
✅The court imposed a fine of $500.
💡a forfeiture is an item or sum already seized and kept by the state; a fine is an amount you are ordered to pay.