ˈfɔː.fɪt ˈfɔɹ.fɪt ˈfɔː.fɪt ˈfɔɹ.fɪt ˈfɔː.fɪt ˈfɔɹ.fɪt ˈfɔːfɪtʃə ˈfɔɹfɪtʃɚ fɔːˈɡəʊ fɔɹˈɡoʊ ˈsækɹɪfaɪs the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc. surrendered as a penalty lose (something) or lose the right to (something) by some error, offense, or crime you've forfeited your right to name your successor forfeited property a penalty for a fault or mistake that involves losing or giving up something the contract specified forfeits if the work was not completed on time something that is lost or surrendered as a penalty