'forfeit' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'forfet', where 'for-' meant 'outside' and 'fait' meant 'deed'.

'forfet' transformed into the Middle English word 'forfet', and eventually became the modern English word 'forfeit'.

Initially, it meant 'a crime or transgression', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to lose or give up something as a penalty'.